Dwight L. Johnson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Dwight L. Johnson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. MILLER (DD-535), in action against enemy Japanese forces off the Southern Coast of Honshu, Japan, on 19 March 1945. When an aircraft carrier was set ablaze by enemy action, Lieutenant Commander Johnson maneuvered his destroyer alongside the carrier and, despite intense smoke and grave danger from explosions, rescued the Commander of his task group and several key personnel trapped on the Flag Bridge, transporting them to another carrier. Returning to the stricken vessel, he repeatedly placed his ship alongside her to rescue trapped personnel and to fight fires. His gallant conduct and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.