Laurence A. Johnson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Laurence A. Johnson (0-33361), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commanding the 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Shortly after midnight on 26 April 1951, the 2d Battalion was attacked by the enemy in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea. So furious was the frenzied assault that the enemy troops succeeded in surrounding the battalion command post and in breaking through a portion to the defensive perimeter protecting this nerve center of battalion operations. Colonel Johnson, moving decisively amid the confusion of battle, called for artillery support which he adjusted with devastating effect upon the enemy, even though shells exploded within twenty-five yards of his own position. He then formed a relief force from all available personnel within the command post area and, repeatedly exposing himself to the withering hostile fire, placed them in advantageous positions from which their added firepower aided in bolstering the defense line grimly held by the besieged troops. Unceasing in his efforts to withstand the hostile onslaught, Colonel Johnson, constantly reorganized and shifted his forces to meet new tests of enemy strength, personally supervising the resupply of ammunition and assisting the evacuation of the wounded. Throughout the night-long engagement his calm resourceful presence enabled the battalion to repulse the enemy attack and finally compel him to withdraw with heavy losses. Colonel Johnson’s brilliant leadership and personal gallantry reflect the highest credit upon himself and the military service.