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name
JOHNSON, Ernest Orlen - Date of
birth
3 January 1925 -
Age
20 - Place of
birth
MacDoel, Siskiyou County, California -
Hometown
Clark County, Washington
Personal info
Military service
- Service
number
39333260 -
Rank
Private -
Function
unknown -
Unit
I Company,
3rd Battalion,
358th Infantry Regiment,
90th Infantry Division
-
Awards
Distinguished Service Cross,
Purple Heart
Death
-
Status
Killed in Action - Date of
death
13 January 1945 - Place of
death
East of Bastogne, Belgium
Grave
-
Cemetery
American War Cemetery Luxembourg
| Plot | Row | Grave |
|---|---|---|
| D | 3 | 27 |
Immediate family
-
Members
Everett L. Johnson (father)
Maud (Howard) Johnson (mother)
Huston Johnson (brother)
Robert Johnson (brother)
More information
Pvt Ernest O. Johnson was a locomotive fireman before he enlisted in Portland, Oregon on 7 June 1943.He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross Medal. The citation cited: On the night of 6 December 1944, 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 which was situated in front of a house. Although in risk of being observed by enemy snipers in the vicinity, Pvt 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 military service.
Source of information: Peter Schouteten, www.abmc.gov, www.wwiimemorial.com, www.archives.gov - WWII Enlistment Record, www.ancestry.com - Headstone and Interment Record, http://www.90thdivisionassociation.org
Photo source: www.findagrave.com - Luxembourg American Cemetery