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 Sergeant Earl L. Johnson (ASN: 19071351), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations on 8 March 1945. During combat operations in the area west of Calabarzon, Philippine Islands, the advance of a platoon was held up by heavy Japanese machine gun and rifle fire from a deeply entrenched and well concealed position on the surrounding high ground. While the platoon was pinned to the ground by withering fire, Sergeant Johnson withdrew the 60–mm mortars to a suitable position, supervised their installation, and crawled to a forward position to direct the fire. It being impossible to observe the enemy positions without exposing himself, Sergeant Johnson, with complete disdain for the enemy fire, and utter disregard for his own personal safety, searched the surrounding area with his field glasses and located the enemy position that was holding up the advance. The accurate data he phoned to the mortar gunners was responsible for the rapid elimination of the enemy emplacement. Sergeant Johnson continued to move forward and search for other targets of opportunity and during his movement he was shot and killed by an enemy sniper. Sergeant Johnson, by his brave deed, reflected great credit on his conduct as a soldier and greatly inspired all of the men that witnessed his act.