The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Willard J. Johnson, United States Naval Reserve, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attached to the U.S.S. LST 338 during the invasion of Italy, on 10 September 1943. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Johnson was waiting in an assault boat to return to his ship when the beach was heavily strafed and bombed by an enemy plane. Although wounded himself, he administered first aid to an officer and several men, in one case amputating the leg of a man. His prompt and valiant action probably saved the life of a critically wounded man. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.