Cecil Vermon Johnson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Cecil Vermon Johnson, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron FORTY-ONE (VS-41), embarked from the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942. Leading a section of planes in repeated dive-bombing raids, Lieutenant Johnson, under a bursting hail of anti-aircraft shells, pressed home vigorous and persistent attacks against hostile warships, coastal defense batteries, and anti-aircraft gun emplacements in the vicinity of Casablanca. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.