The Bravery of Sergeant James Edmund Johnson
James Edmund Johnson was born in Pocatello, Idaho in 1926. In high school, he played basketball, then joined the Marine Corps in 1943. After serving in the Pacific theater during WWII, he returned to Idaho, where he worked as a machinist in a Naval Ordnance plant.
After attending Western Washington College in Washington, he re-enlisted with the Marines in 1948. He became an instructor in post exchange accounting at the Marine Corps Institute, then was sent to Korea, just five days after the birth of his daughter.
On December 2, 1950, near Yudam-ni, Korea, Johnson and his fellow soldiers came under enemy fire from soldiers who were disguised in the uniforms of friendly troops. Johnson realized what was going on, and that there was no one leading his platoon. He began weaving through enemy fire, encouraging and directing his fellow soldiers, all while risking his own life.
Sadly they were heavily outnumbered, and were ordered to move back from their position. Johnson knew they would not be able to retreat without having more men injured, so he chose to advance into a better position. There he laid cover fire for his platoon. He was last seen injured, and in hand-to-hand combat with enemy soldiers.
Johnson sacrificed his own life for the lives of his comrades. He was one of many who lost their lives during what is now called The Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Without his valiant sacrifice, several other men would have lost their lives that day.
HIs heroic actions earned him the Medal of Honor. He also received the Presidential Unit Citation with one bronze star; the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars; the Navy Unit Commendation; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze stars; the World War II Victory Medal; and the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp.
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