Peter J. Johansen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Peter J. Johansen (1099344), Staff Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Tank Company of the FIRST Marine Division (Rein), FMF, in Korea, on 17 August 1952. Serving as a Tank Section Leader, Staff Sergeant Johansen displayed outstanding courage, initiative and devotion to duty during a reinforcing action far forward of the main line of resistance. When a group of Marines on an outpost position was ambushed by an enemy force, he was assigned the mission of delivering close fire support for the infantry aiding in the relief. When he saw the enemy reinforcing their positions, he maneuvered his tank to within one hundred and fifty yards of the hostile troops. In this area, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and unhesitatingly exposed himself to the intense enemy artillery, mortar and small arms fire in order to employ his turret mounted anti-aircraft machine gun. During the action, he personally killed thirteen of the enemy soldiers and through his aggressive spirit, he served as an inspiration to all who observed him. Staff Sergeant Johansen’s gallant and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.