The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles M. Johnson (MCSN: 364790), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Squad Leader of Company H, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, 20 February 1945. Leading the remnants of his squad against well fortified hostile emplacements in open terrain under heavy mortar fire and with no support on the right flank, Corporal Johnson realized that greater firepower was needed and, running back approximately a hundred yards, located two tanks. Leading them to a firing position, he pointed out enemy targets and enabled his platoon to reorganize for further assault on Mount Suribachi. Wounded during this action, he refused medical attention after he rejoined his platoon until other wounded were evacuated from their positions in front of the lines. His leadership, courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.