LIEUTENANT COLONEL LAURENCE A. JOHNSON, 033361, Infantry, Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 65th Infantry, 3d Infantry Division, United
States Army. Shortly after midnight on 26 April 1951, the 2d Battalion was
attacked by the enemy in the vicinity of Ilbisang-ni, Korea. So furious was
the frenzied assault that the enemy troops succeeded in surrounding the battalion
command post and in breaking through a portion to the defensive perimeter pro-
tecting this nerve center of battalion operations. Colonel JOHNSON, moving
decisively amid the confusion of battle, called for artillery support which he
adjusted with devastating effect upon the enemy, even though shells exploded
within twenty-five yards of his own position. He then formed a relief force
from all available personnel within the command post area and, repeatedly ex-
posing himself to the withering hostile fire, placed them in advantageous posi-
tions from which their added firepower aided in bolstering the defense line
grimly held by the besieged troops. Unceasing in his efforts to withstand the
hostile onslaught, Colonel JOHNSON, constantly reorganized and shifted his forces
to meet new tests of enemy strength, personally supervising the resupply of am-
munition and assisting the evacuation of the wounded. Throughout the night-
long engagement his calm resourceful presence enabled the battalion to repulse
the enemy attack and finally compel him to withdraw with heavy losses. Colonel
JOHNSON'S brilliant leadership and personal gallantry reflect he highest credit
upon himself and the military service. Entered the military service from the
State of Washington.

Source: Record Group 338: General Orders 3^rd Infantry Division, Boxes 129 to 131 -National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland.

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