The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Morris L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 330972), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while with the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Peleliu in the Palau Group, on 28 September 1944. Pushing forward with his unit in the relentless drive up the beach to the left of the northernmost hill on Peleliu, Sergeant Johnson unhesitatingly exposed himself to the terrific concentration of enemy rifle, machine-gun and mortar fire which pinned down his platoon and inflicted serious casualties and, fearlessly disregarding all personal danger, worked diligently in assisting to evacuate the wounded from the danger area. Subsequently returning to the line, he again went forward and, taking a strategic position, persistently spotted Japanese fire and succeeded in killing several enemy snipers before he fell, mortally wounded by a burst of hostile machine-gun fire. An indomitable fighter, Sergeant Johnson, by his daring initiative, determined aggressiveness and cool to the ultimate conquest of the vital Japanese stronghold, and his decisive conduct and valiant devotion to duty throughout the period of fierce hostilities reflect the highest credit upon himself and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.