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 Sergeant Steward R. Johnson (ASN: 20804822), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 142d Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, in September 1943. Sergeant Johnson’s platoon was surrounded by the enemy and subjected to devastating machine gun fire from an enemy gun firing directly into his position. With utter disregard for his own life, and on his own initiative, Sergeant Johnson crawled toward the enemy position in the face of a hail of fire. Although bullets were cutting the bushes near his head and plowing into the ground around him, Sergeant Johnson crawled to within thirty yards of the enemy gun and with his rifle killed the two members of the crew. 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.