The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Horace L. Johnson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-41906), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company G, Third Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), during operations against enemy aggressor forced in Korea, on 3 March 1951. With his company pinned down by intense fire emanating from a heavily fortified enemy position during an advance against a vital objective in the vicinity of Hoengsong, First Lieutenant Johnson fearlessly moved through heavy machine-gun, small-arms and mortar fire to locate an advantageous position for establishing a base of fire with his light machine guns. Finding an ideal location approximately 100 yards forward of his own lines, he quickly re-crossed the fire-swept terrain, personally led the machine-gun section to the new position and then, directing the assault units in a brilliantly executed attack, succeeded in seizing the assigned objective with minimum casualties among his own troops. By his courageous and determined leadership, bold tactics and dauntless perseverance throughout the furious encounter, First Lieutenant Johnson contributed materially to the success achieved by his battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.