The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Corps of Engineers), [then Captain] William H. Johnson (ASN: 0-317653), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 82d Airborne Division, in action on or about 9 July 1943. Major Johnson, Company Commander, was among the first to land by parachute in Sicily. Although his men were widely scattered on the drop, Captain Johnson skillfully organized a composite group and set up defensive positions. The following morning Captain Johnson’s small detachment of less than fifty men ambushed and knocked out a German anti-parachute patrol car and disorganized a battalion of Italian infantry moving towards the front. Continuing forward, Captain Johnson was always in the lead, urging his men forward and inspiring them by his own courage. Captain Johnson’s outstanding conduct and exceptional bravery under fire were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Airborne Forces.