The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Corps of Engineers) George C. Johnson (ASN: 0-1108765), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, 1st Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily during the period from March through August 1943. When intense and accurate enemy tank fire compelled elements of the infantry battalion to which he was attached to withdraw from a forward position, Lieutenant Johnson remained in this area, assisted the battalion commander in operating an anti-tank weapon, and succeeded in delaying the enemy tanks until the battalion completed its withdrawal. Then, despite continued enemy fire, Lieutenant Johnson evacuated the battalion commander who had been wounded in this action. 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 Army.