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 Ronald E. Johnston (ASN: 36558820), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action near ****, Belgium, on 4 January 1945. Sergeant Johnston, a mortar section sergeant, went forward with leading elements of the rifle company in order to direct the fire of his section. Enemy artillery and mortar fire was unusually intense. When the riflemen had established a hasty defensive position, Sergeant Johnston, with disregard for personal safety, went forward to establish an observation post. When the enemy launched a strong counterattack, Sergeant Johnston remained at his post, and even though wounded by enemy fire, refused medical assistance until he had successfully directed the fire of his section which ultimately thwarted the enemy counterattack and enabled the rifle company to hold their gains. Sergeant Johnston’s courage, fortitude and tenacity of purpose are in accord with the military traditions of the United States.