The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant Junius E. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-29866), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a Platoon Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Twenty-eighth Marines, FIFTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, 21 February 1945. Directed to lead his platoon in an attack on the right flank of an enemy position whose personnel numbered over one hundred, Second Lieutenant Johnson moved alone into the heart of the position, directing the fire of a tank and, fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, succeeded in destroying two pillboxes and a mountain gun before receiving a wound in the head. He then continued to direct the fire of the tank for a period of a half hour until evacuated for medical attention. His courageous leadership and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.