The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal Sterl Johnson (MCSN: 896011), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Fire Team Leader in a platoon of Company K, Third Battalion, Twenty-second Marines, SIXTH Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 10 May 1945. Quick to act when his platoon was pinned down by shattering barrages of hostile fire with resultant heavy casualties, Corporal Johnson repeatedly braved the savage bursts to evacuate the wounded men to sheltered positions. Returning to his platoon, he courageously led his team in the determined assault that followed and, constantly exhorting his men to greater efforts, succeeded in seizing a difficult objective. By his outstanding leadership, valor and indomitable fighting spirit, Corporal Johnson was instrumental in saving the lives of his wounded comrades and in fulfilling a most hazardous mission, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.