The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Corporal] Melvin L. Johnson (ASN: 2051900), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. In Manila on 5 February 1945, an attacking infantry company suffered heavy casualties and had difficulty in withdrawing from an area swept by Japanese fire and surrounded on three sides by burning buildings. Corporal Johnson and Privates Sheeley and Woolslair volunteered to go forward and assist in the rescue of the wounded. Braving the intense crossfire of enemy machine guns, they reached a wounded man and assisted in carrying him back over the same perilous route to safety. Then they again ran the gauntlet of hostile fire to help rescue another casualty. The heroic action of these men was instrumental in saving the lives of two fellow soldiers. 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, his unit, and the United States Army.