Elden H Johnson-Scituate, MA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 42° 11.370 W 070° 43.902
19T E 357008 N 4672267
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient for action near Valmontone, Italy on June 3, 1944. He was killed in action. He is buried in Union Cemetery, Scituate, MA in Lot 91
Waymark Code: WMX1CR
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 11/12/2017
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He was born on February 13, 1921 in Bivalve, NJ and died on June 3, 1944 in Italy. His Medal of Honor information and citation is: *JOHNSON, ELDEN H.
• Rank and organization: Private, U.S. Army, 15th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division
• Place and date: Near Valmontone, Italy, 3 June 1944
• Entered service at: East Weymouth, Mass.
• G.O. No.: 38, 16 May 1945
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Then, despite 20mm. machineguns, machine pistol, and rifle fire directed at him, Pvt. Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow deliberate walk. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. Advancing to within 5 yards of a machinegun, emptying his weapon, Pvt. Johnson killed its crew. Standing in full view of the enemy he reloaded and turned on the riflemen to the left, firing directly into their positions. He either killed or wounded 4 of them. A burst of machinegun fire tore into Pvt. Johnson and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that he slumped forward dead. Pvt. Johnson had willingly given his life in order that his comrades might live. These acts on the part of Pvt. Johnson were an inspiration to the entire command and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.
Armed Service: Army
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