The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Maynard Benjamin Johnson (ASN: 0-64082), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 27 October 1952, in the vicinity of Chorwan, North Korea. On that date, Second Lieutenant Johnson led a friendly combat patrol forward of main battle positions against enemy emplacements. Upon reaching the objective, the patrol immediately engaged a numerically superior foe in a fierce firefight. A short time later, when the friendly positions became untenable, Second Lieutenant Johnson ordered his platoon sergeant to withdraw the group. Insisting upon remaining to cover the withdrawal, he fired his carbine and called for supporting mortar and artillery fire. While in this position, Lieutenant Johnson was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. By his complete disregard for personal safety, he ensured the safe return of his men and inflicted numerous casualties upon the enemy. The outstanding courage and heroic achievement exhibited by Lieutenant Johnson on this occasion reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.