SILVER STAR

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the SILVER STAR MEDAL to

SERGEANT ROBERT F. JOHNSON II

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

          For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company K, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On 6 September 1967 during Operation Swift, Company K was assigned the mission of reinforcing another Marine unit which was in heavy contact with a well entrenched force of North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Upon arrival at the designated area, Sergeant JOHNSON immediately deployed his men and skillfully established a defensive perimeter. Unhesitatingly exposing himself to intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire, he repeatedly moved across open terrain to effectively control his unit. While moving from one position to another he was seriously wounded by an exploding mortar round. However, despite his painful injuries, he steadfastly refused medical evacuation and continued to direct his unit. Throughout the battle, he disregarded his own safety in order to pinpoint enemy targets and ensure the integrity of the perimeter defense. Inspired by his selfless courage and aggressive fighting spirit, many wounded Marines abandoned their protected positions and moved forward to assist their comrades in repulsing a savage attack launched by the determined, numerically superior enemy force. By his outstanding leadership, resolute determination and unfaltering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger, Sergeant JOHNSON upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

For the President,

V. H. KRULAK

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, U. S. MARINE CORPS

COMMANDING GENERAL, FLEET MARINE FORCE, PACIFIC