(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Technician Fifth Grade Martin Elias Johnson (ASN: 16024994), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 47th Armored Infantry Battalion, 5th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces at Bergstein, Germany, on 6 December 1944. Sergeant Johnson halted a German counter attack against the important position held by his platoon along the Roer River. Sergeant Johnson held his ground in the face of a determined and powerful enemy attack, firing from behind the corner of a building, down the draw from which the enemy approached. He expended 25 clips, a total of 750 rounds of ammunition, from his sub-machine gun. When the fighting ended, the approach to his position was found to be lined with dead and dying Germans. Sergeant Johnson’s bravery was credited with being the decisive factor in breaking the attack. Later that same day, he went out into enemy artillery fire, over thickly mined ground, to rescue a severely wounded infantryman. Technician Fifth Grade Johnson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.