Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Private First Class

    Regiment:

    180th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    45th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    February 17 – 19, 1944

    War Department, General Orders No. 73, September 6, 1944

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class William James Johnston, Sr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on February 17 – 19, 1944, while serving with Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. On 17 February 1944, near Padiglione, Italy, Private First Class Johnston observed and fired upon an attacking force of approximately 80 Germans, causing at least 25 casualties and forcing withdrawal of the remainder. All that day he manned his gun without relief, subject to mortar, artillery, and sniper fire. Two Germans individually worked so close to his position that his machinegun was ineffective, whereupon he killed one with his pistol, the second with a rifle taken from another soldier. When a rifleman protecting his gun position was killed by a sniper, he immediately moved the body and relocated the machinegun in that spot in order to obtain a better field of fire. He volunteered to cover the platoon’s withdrawal and was the last man to leave that night. In his new position he maintained an all-night vigil, the next day causing seven German casualties. On the afternoon of the 18th, the organization on the left flank having been forced to withdraw, he again covered the withdrawal of his own organization. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded over the heart, and a passing soldier saw him trying to crawl up the embankment. The soldier aided him to resume his position behind the machinegun which was soon heard in action for about ten minutes. Though reported killed, Private First Class Johnston was seen returning to the American lines on the morning of 19 February slowly and painfully working his way back from his overrun position through enemy lines. He gave valuable information of new enemy dispositions. His heroic determination to destroy the enemy and his disregard of his own safety aided immeasurably in halting a strong enemy attack, caused an enormous amount of enemy casualties, and so inspired his fellow soldiers that they fought for and held a vitally important position against greatly superior forces.