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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Lavon Johnson (ASN: 34663378), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, France, 11 August 1944. Sergeant Johnson, a squad leader, was one of a two-man detail assigned the mission of reconnoitering a group of buildings on their company’s left flank. They approached the buildings by a circuitous route through enemy-held territory, reached an enemy machine gun position and killed all members of the crew. They continued their search of the buildings, and succeeded in killing four of the enemy therein, wounding at least six more, and dispersing the remainder. The gallant actions of Sergeant Johnson, his tenacity of purpose and utter disregard for personal safety, reflect the highest credit upon his character as a soldier and upon the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant [then Private First Class]

    Division:

    35th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 17, 1944
    Headquarters, 35th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 22 (August 20, 1944)

    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 Private First Class] Lavon Johnson (ASN: 34663378), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in action in the **** Sector, Normandy, France, on 17 July 1944. When enemy machine gun fire held up the advance of his squad, Sergeant Johnson went forward in full view of the enemy, silenced the machine gun with fire from his automatic rifle and with hand grenades, then rushed on into the position, killing the remaining members of the crew and capturing the machine gun. The intrepid actions of Sergeant Johnson served as an inspiration to other soldiers in the vicinity, and contributed materially toward the eventual capture of an enemy strong point. 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.