Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    4th Marines

    Division:

    3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    March 19, 1969

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Michael J. Johnson (MCSN: 2291712), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 March 1969, while Corporal Johnson’s squad was patrolling in an area northwest of Fire Support Base Neville in support of Operation Purple Martin, the Marines were temporarily pinned down by a heavy volume of hostile automatic weapons fire and sustained several casualties. Observing that the platoon commander who had been directing the squads actions had been seriously wounded in the initial moments of the fire fight, Corporal Johnson unhesitatingly left his relatively safe position near the rear of the company and, racing to the point of heaviest contact, immediately took charge of the squad and commenced directing and controlling the suppressive fire of the Marines. Taking advantage of a temporary lull in the enemy activity, he fearlessly maneuvered across the hazardous area and pulled his commander to a covered position where medical assistance was available. Throughout the ensuing fierce engagement, Corporal Johnson shouted words of encouragement to his men and, in a daring display of courage and composure under fire, simultaneously supervised the expeditious evacuation of casualties and controlled the activities of the squad until the hostile force was defeated. His heroic and timely actions inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in minimizing Marine casualties. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Corporal Johnson contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.