The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas Harlan Johnson, Jr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while Commanding Troop F, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, during the period 10 April 2004 to 24 June 2004, in Iraq. In the face of the enemy, Captain Johnson’s personal valor as well as his combat leadership was pivotal to the success of the Brigade reconnaissance troop in multiple engagements. His leadership and relentless attitudes towards the enemy inspired his troops to fight harder and more determined than the enemy thought possible, breaking enemy morale. His actions and leadership are second to none and are in the best traditions of the officer corps. Captain Johnson’s exceptional performance is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, Fox Troop, 4th Cavalry Division, 3d Brigade Combat Team, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
NARRATIVE TO ACCOMPANY AWARD:
Captain Thomas Harlan Johnson, Jr., distinguished himself by gallantry in action while Commanding Troop F, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, during the period 10 April 2004 to 24 June 2004, in Iraq. On 10 April 2004, Captain Johnson led two platoons on a dismounted assault of four reinforced enemy positions. After personally supervising the emplacement of a support by fire from F Troop gun trucks and directed well-aimed fires from Kiowa Warriors, tanks, and 155-mm. artillery, Captain Johnson led a 600 meter dismounted assault across an open field and through three irrigation ditches onto the objective. Captain Johnson’s valorous actions and leadership that day, led to the destruction of several armed insurgents including one mortar team. On 4 May 2004, Captain Johnson took his Headquarters elements on patrol to check his platoon sector. As he was moving through sectors he monitored a call on the battalion radio that another unit was in contact. He immediately led his Headquarters elements, with only two gun trucks and an FLA, to the scene. Once on scene, he took command of the two separate units and led a dismounted assault. Under enemy fire, Captain Johnson led the assault across 400 meters of open fields and captured 12 insurgents, weapons, and IED materials. Captain Johnson’s courageous leadership of F Troop during its intense twelve-hour firefight in Buhriz on 17 June 2004, was instrumental to the BRT’s success. Under constant enemy fire, Captain Johnson occupied the most dangerous position on the rooftop of the Troop’s strongpoint in order to command and control his Troop. On several occasions he was nearly shot because of his disregard for his own personal safety. His actions and examples allowed his soldiers thirteen confirmed enemy KIAs with zero friendly casualties. From 23 to 24 June 2004, Captain Johnson was tasked with strong pointing the stadium in the city of Ba’qubah. In route to that mission he was informed that he was to turn over his Troop to the Executive Officer and take command of a Mechanized Infantry Company from the 30th Enhanced Brigade, which had lost their commander that morning. Quickly organizing the new command, he led an assault into the Northern portion of the city. Neutralizing small pockets of resistance in house-to-house fighting, he personally led his men in the pacification of the sector. Captain Johnson’s exceptional performance is in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, Fox Troop, 4th Cavalry Division, 3d Brigade Combat Team, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.