Lowell A. Johnson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lowell A. Johnson (204208), Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as a member of Company Q, FOURTH Marine Raider Battalion in action against the enemy Japanese forces at Viru Village, Vangunu, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 1 July 1943. Unable to move as a result of three serious wounds, Gunnery Sergeant Johnson lay between the lines of the enemy and those of his own company and directed fire in an attack on hostile machine-gun emplacements. Brushing aside a chance to escape unnoticed by the Japanese, he refused evacuation until the position of his men was secured. Because of his heroic devotion to duty, many casualties were averted and two or more machine-gun nests were wiped out. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Gunnery Sergeant Johnson on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.