"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. On 17 February
1944, near Padiglione, Italy, he observed and fired upon an attacking
force of approximately 80 Germans, causing at least 25 casualties and
forcing withdrawal of the remainder. All that day he manned his gun
without relief, subject to mortar, artillery, and sniper
fire. Two Germans individually worked so close to his position that his
machine gun was ineffective, whereupon he killed 1 with his pistol, the
second with a rifle taken from another soldier. When a rifleman
protecting his gun position was killed by a sniper, he immediately moved
the body and relocated the machine gun in that spot in order to obtain a
better field of fire. He volunteered to cover the platoon's withdrawal
and was the last man to leave that night. In his new position he
maintained an all-night vigil, the next day causing 7 German casualties. On the afternoon of the 18th, the organization on the left flank having
been forced to withdraw, he again covered the withdrawal of his own
organization. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded over the
heart, and a passing soldier saw him trying to crawl up the embankment.
The soldier aided him to resume his position behind the machine gun which
was soon heard in action for about 10 minutes. Though reported killed,
Pfc. Johnston was seen returning to the American lines on the morning of
19 February slowly and painfully working his way back from his overrun
position through enemy lines. He gave valuable information of new enemy
dispositions. His heroic determination to destroy the enemy and his
disregard of his own safety aided immeasurably in halting a strong enemy
attack, caused an enormous amount of enemy casualties, and so inspired
his fellow soldiers that they fought for and held a vitally important
position against greatly superior forces."
From PFC Johnston's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on September 6, 1944.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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