(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 Staff Sergeant Richard C. Johnson, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 4th Cavalry Group (Separate), in action against enemy forces in Germany, on 10 October 1944. When his unit came under fire from enemy machine gunners, Staff Sergeant Johnson dropped hand grenades into foxholes protected by six machine guns and held by 12 dug-in enemy riflemen. When two German grenades were thrown at him, he tossed one back into the enemy foxhole. The second enemy grenade exploded in his hand, wounding him. Staff Sergeant 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.