William H. Johnson

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Boatswain William Harold Johnson (NSN: 100497), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as a diver during the rescue and salvage operations following the sinking of the U.S.S. SQUALUS on 23 May 1939. Boatswain William Johnson’s courage and devotion to duty in making repeated dangerous dives during the most difficult diving conditions characterizes conduct far above and beyond the call of duty. (Advanced one grade in rating without examination.)

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to William H. Johnson (0-746359), First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber while participating in a bombing mission on 13 April 1944, against enemy ground targets in the European Theater of Operations. When his B-17 was heavily damaged during a bombing mission, First Lieutenant Johnson kept his ship in the air long enough to allow his crew to bail out. He was killed instantly shortly thereafter when his bomber plunged nose-first into a field. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Johnson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.