serial# 335908
Awarded the Navy Cross for actions on 20 November 1943:
"When the advance of his squad and the entire right flank of his company was held up by an enemy tank, which was in a shell hole and firing continuously from it's movable turret, Johnson, without regard for his own safety, fearlessly crawled through the fire to reach the tank, climbed to the turret and then with great coolness opened the escape hatch and dropped a grenade into the tank. With keen presence of mind he slammed the hatch and sat on it until the grenade exploded, completely knocking the tank out of action. By this daring act, at the risk of his life, he not only enabled the advance to continue, but became an inspiration to all who were in the area. Sergeant Johnson was killed later in action while fearlessly leading his men."
Clyde, Metcalf, "This Was Tarawa," Marine Corps Gazette, May 1944, p. 45-48.
GENERAL ORDERS:
Authority: Board of Awards: Serial 917 (March 24, 1944)
CITATION:
"The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Sergeant Roy W. Johnson (MCSN: 335908), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as a Squad Leader in Company I, Third Battalion, Second Marines, SECOND Marine Division, during action against enemy Japanese forces at Betio Island, Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, on 20 November 1943. Detecting an imbedded, well-camouflaged enemy tank obstructing the advance of his squad and inflicting heavy casualties on his company, Sergeant Johnson valiantly risked his life in an effort to neutralize the hostile weapons. Crawling through withering fire, he successfully gained the turret and, after dropping a grenade within the enclosure, closed the hatch and sat on it until the ensuing explosion put the tank out of action. His brilliant initiative, daring aggressiveness and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave peril enabled our forces to move forward and deliver a devastating blow to opposing forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country."
Dale Young writes:
Sgt. Johnson was a platoon guide of the 3rd platoon of I Co. 3rd Bat., 2nd Marines. He was a veteran of Tulagi, Gavutu, and Guadalcanal. He was squad leader of the third squad to which I was assigned and we were in the same 4 man hut on New Zealand.
copyright 2001 T.O.T.W.
Created 23 September 2001 - Updated 17 Janaury 2020
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