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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Second Lieutenant Gillis Augustus Johnson (MCSN: 0-2654), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the 5th Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F. in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Johnson volunteered and led an attack upon enemy machine-gun positions under intense machine-gun fire and artillery barrage, and although severely wounded in the leg, succeeded in cleaning out several machine-gun nests, capturing guns and a number of prisoners.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 4, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 35 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Second Lieutenant Gillis Augustus Johnson (MCSN: 0-2654), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, A.E.F., in action near St. Etienne, France, 4 October 1918. Second Lieutenant Johnson volunteered and led an attack upon enemy machine-gun positions under intense machine-gun fire and artillery barrage, and although severely wounded in the leg, succeeded in cleaning out several machine-gun nests, capturing guns and a number of prisoners.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Regiment:

    Fifth Regiment (Marines)

    Division:

    2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    October 2 – 9, 1918
    Citation Orders, 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918) Second Lieutenant Gillis Augustus Johnson (MCSN: 0-2654), United States Marine Corps, is cited by the Commanding General, SECOND Division, American Expeditionary Forces, for gallantry in action and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the Victory Medals awarded him. Second Lieutenant Johnson distinguished himself while serving with the Fifth Regiment (Marines), 2d Division, American Expeditionary Forces at St. Etienne, France, 2 – 9 October 1918.