The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Gerald N. Johnson (ASN: 0-1011772), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action on 6 July 1944, about two miles from *****, France. While fighting for possession of a bridge across the Merderet River, another officer became the target of enemy machine gun fire which wounded him and ignited signal flares carried on his person. Lieutenant Johnson, with utter disregard for his personal safety, crossed through enemy fire and after considerable effort managed to beat out the flames and drag the officer to a covered position. Enemy rifle fire was directed on this new position, but Lieutenant Johnson, exposing himself to snipers, threw grenades, killing two of the enemy and thereby prevented further danger to the wounded man. 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 and the United States Army.