The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of 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 23 and 24 April 1951. Receiving the brunt of a fierce enemy night-long attack while reorganizing his positions, First Lieutenant Johnson bravely moved along the lines through the bitter fighting and, despite heavy hostile frontal fire, assisted the wounded, re-distributed ammunition and kept the battalion commander informed of the ever changing situation. Although his company was continually engaged by the enemy while carrying out its assigned rear-guard mission of covering the battalion re-deployment on 24 April, he skillfully maintained tactical control of his unit, permitting the battalion to evacuate almost two hundred dead and wounded and, at the same time, inflict heavy casualties on the determined hostile forces. By his marked courage, inspiring leadership and steadfast devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Johnson contributed materially to the success achieved by his battalion and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.