The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class James L. Johnson (MCSN: 975811), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as an Antitank Rocket Launcher Operator of Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines, FOURTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 26 February 1945. When the advance of his unit was held up by accurate fire from a courageously moved forward of his front lines under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and, when his weapon was shot from his hands, returned to the platoon area to obtain another launcher. Bravely moving forward again, he delivered effective fire on the enemy machine gun, killing the hostile crew and destroying the gun. Later, when one of the squad leaders in his platoon had been wounded, Private First Class Johnson immediately assumed command and skillfully directed the squad’s advance for the successful completion of its mission. His initiative and aggressive fighting spirit throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.