Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) James Brunn Johnson (ASN: 0-1335426), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company L, 3d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (Infantry), 1st Cavalry Division. First Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chup’a-ri, Korea, on 6 September 1951. On that date, Lieutenant Johnson led his platoon across the Imjin River under an extremely heavy enemy mortar and artillery barrage in an effort to relieve Company K, which had been subjected to fierce enemy attacks for several hours. Making his way to the company’s defensive area, Lieutenant Johnson quickly deployed his men to protect a flank of the perimeter. Almost immediately, the platoon was attacked by the enemy but, despite the intense hostile artillery, mortar and automatic-weapons fire, the men successfully defended their sector, repulsing the enemy with heavy casualties. After this attack, Lieutenant Johnson led his men in an assault against an enemy-held ridge line, but a heavy volume of hostile fire forced a withdrawal. Although painfully wounded, Lieutenant Johnson reorganized his men and led them in a second assault against the hostile positions. During this assault, he was again wounded when he courageously shielded one of his men from an exploding grenade. Undaunted, Lieutenant Johnson continued to lead the advance until mortally wounded by mortar fragments. His heroic actions so inspired his men that the ridge line was subsequently captured from a vastly superior number of hostile troops. The extraordinary heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Johnson on this occasion reflects the greatest credit on himself and is in keeping with the high traditions of the military service.

Awards Received