Lyndon Baines Johnson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Army Award) to Lyndon Baines Johnson, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Port Moresby and Salamaua, New Guinea while attached to a B-26 bomber of the 22d Bombardment Group, Far East Air Forces, U.S. Army Air Force, on 9 June 1942. While on a mission of obtaining information in the Southwest Pacific area, Lieutenant Commander Johnson, in order to obtain personal knowledge of combat conditions, volunteered as an observer on a hazardous aerial combat mission over hostile positions in New Guinea. As our planes neared the target area they were intercepted by eight hostile fighters. When, at this time, the plane in which Lieutenant Commander Johnson was an observer, developed mechanical trouble and was forced to turn back alone, presenting a favorable target to the enemy fighters, he evidenced marked coolness in spite of the hazards involved. His gallant action enabled him to obtain and return with valuable information.