The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Victor E. Johnson (MCSN: 0-34367), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commander of a Salvage Platoon of the Support Company, First Service Battalion, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces while his section was occupying a hastily organized and lightly defended sector of the Hagaru-ri perimeter in Korea on the night of 29 – 30- November 1950. When friendly troops ran down the steep slopes seeking cover from well-armed enemy troops who had driven them from their outpost, First Lieutenant Johnson fearlessly braved intense hostile fire concentrated on his sector to stand by one of his sand-bagged emplacements and identify each of the Marines until the last one had safely entered the perimeter. Skillfully throwing several grenades into the midst of the closely following enemy, he silenced their automatic weapons and averted a breakthrough in his lines. For several hours, he skillfully continued to direct the defense of his sub-sector, circulating among his men and encouraging them to greater efforts. His outstanding courage, indomitable fighting spirit and inspiring devotion to duty were contributing factors in the success of the platoon in defending its position, thereby reflecting great credit upon First Lieutenant Johnson and the United States Naval Service.