Ernest O. Johnson
Private, U.S. Army

On 6 December 1944, Private Ernest O. Johnson was serving with Company I, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, Third U.S. Army.

That night, PVT Johnson’s unit was in action against German forces. PVT Johnson and members of his platoon were clearing the enemy from the town of Pachten, Germany, when they were subjected to fire from a large concrete pillbox situated in front of a house. Taking the risk of being observed by German snipers in the vicinity, PVT Johnson advanced ahead of the platoon and constructed the only possible approach to the pillbox, by placing an elevated plank from a nearby house to the top of the fortification. After crawling along the plank, PVT Johnson dropped 2 grenades down the ventilator and forced the surrender of the occupants. PVT Johnson’s selfless, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism that day earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

PVT Johnson was Killed in Action on 13 January 1945 in the Ardennes Forest near Luxembourg.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Distinguished Service Cross
Purple Heart
Army Good Conduct Medal
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Arrowhead Pin and 4 Bronze Stars
World War II Victory Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Private Ernest O. Johnson (ASN: 39333260), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company I, 358th Infantry Regiment, 90th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces. On the night of 6 December 1944, Private Johnson and members of his platoon were clearing the enemy from the town of Pachten, Germany, when they were subjected to fire from a large concrete pillbox which was situated in front of a house. Although in risk of being observed by enemy snipers in the vicinity, Private Johnson, disregarding his own safety advanced ahead of the platoon and constructed the only possible approach to the pillbox, by placing an elevated plank from a nearby house to the top of the fortification. After crawling along the plank he dropped two grenades down the ventilator and forced the surrender of the occupants. His heroic actions and courageous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 90th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, Third U.S. Army, General Orders No. 46 (February 25, 1945)

Burial

Private Ernest O. Johnson is buried at the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Canton de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg in Plot D, Row 3, Grave 27.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55963296/ernest-o-johnson