The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to First Lieutenant Horace L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-41906), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Executive Officer of Company H, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Korea on 28 and 29 November 1950. When a numerically superior hostile force employing large quantities of mortars and hand grenades penetrated the center of his company’s lines, inflicting heavy casualties and cutting off all communications, First Lieutenant Johnson voluntarily left his covered position and proceeded to the platoon position on the right of the penetration to secure first-hand information of the exact situation. Although continually subjected to heavy enemy fire, he reached the right flank position and, after determining the extent of the penetration and the situation of the platoon, immediately moved to the Battalion Command Post and requested reinforcements. Personally leading the additional troops to his company’s position, he skillfully placed them in the lines and succeeded in containing the enemy penetration. Despite shock suffered when a hostile rifle bullet struck his helmet and temporarily stunned him, he unhesitatingly continued his efforts to repel the enemy. As the enemy attack increased in intensity and threatened to overrun his positions, he organized a group of Marines and led the men in a successful counterattack, repulsing the enemy and regaining the company’s original positions. His outstanding courage, leadership and initiative reflect the highest credit upon First Lieutenant Johnson and the United States Naval Service.