The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Clarence E. Johnson, Jr. (ASN: 0-2012847), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Battery A, 49th Field Artillery battalion, in action near Kuron, Korea, on 19 February 1951. On this date, Lieutenant Johnson was an Artillery Forward Observer supporting an infantry regiment which was attacking strongly entrenched enemy positions in a heavily wooded area. The lead infantry company was halted by intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. Unable to adjust fire accurately because of the dense woods, Lieutenant Johnson, without hesitation, moved forward and assumed an exposed position where he could get clearer observation. Although the enemy concentrated their fire on him, he remained exposed to direct the artillery until the infantry overwhelmed the fortification and moved on to the next position where they were again halted by stiff resistance. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Johnson again moved forward to an exposed site to direct the artillery. The enemy fire pierced his clothing and equipment, but he remained until the objective had been secured. During this action a comrade was wounded and fell in an exposed position. Observing the man was in great danger, Lieutenant Johnson raced across open ground to the wounded man and carried him to a place of cover where he administered first aid. The gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Johnson reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.