James E. Johnson – Korean War – December 2, 1950

Name: James E. Johnson
Rank: Sergeant
Organization: U.S. Marine Corps
Unit: Company J, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced)
Place and Date: Yudam-ni, Korea – 2 December 1950
Entered Service At: Washington, D.C.
Born: January 1, 1926 – Pocatello, Idaho
Departed: Declared KIA, 2 November 1953
Accredited To: Idaho

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Summary of Action

On 2 December 1950, Sergeant James E. Johnson was serving as a squad leader in a provisional rifle platoon composed largely of artillerymen attached to Company J. His platoon faced a well-entrenched, heavily armed enemy force disguised in friendly uniforms, threatening the exposed positions of his unit.

With the platoon leader absent, Johnson immediately assumed command. Under intense fire, he moved among his men, shouting encouragement, directing fire, and coordinating defensive efforts. When ordered to displace the platoon to safer positions, he positioned himself in a highly dangerous location to provide covering fire. Fully aware that his actions put him in almost certain danger, he continued to engage the enemy effectively.

During this engagement, he was last seen wounded, single-handedly fighting enemy troops in close combat with grenades and hand-to-hand attacks. Through his fearless leadership and gallantry, Sergeant Johnson ensured the platoon’s maneuver was successful and saved many lives, exemplifying extraordinary courage under the most harrowing circumstances.

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Medal of Honor Citation

Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company J, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein.).

Entered service at: Washington, D.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader in a provisional rifle platoon composed of artillerymen and attached to Company J, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Vastly outnumbered by a well-entrenched and cleverly concealed enemy force wearing the uniforms of friendly troops and attacking his platoon’s open and unconcealed positions, Sgt. Johnson unhesitatingly took charge of his platoon in the absence of the leader and, exhibiting great personal valor in the face of a heavy barrage of hostile fire, coolly proceeded to move about among his men, shouting words of encouragement and inspiration and skillfully directing their fire. Ordered to displace his platoon during the fire fight, he immediately placed himself in an extremely hazardous position from which he could provide covering fire for his men. Fully aware that his voluntary action meant either certain death or capture to himself, he courageously continued to provide effective cover for his men and was last observed in a wounded condition single-handedly engaging enemy troops in close hand grenade and hand-to-hand fighting. By his valiant and inspiring leadership, Sgt. Johnson was directly responsible for the successful completion of the platoon’s displacement and the saving of many lives. His dauntless fighting spirit and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of terrific odds reflect the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service.