Serving as a soldier in the U.S. Army, Private First Class Charles Robert Johnson was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions between June 11 and 12, 1953 in Outpost Harry, Iron Triangle, Korea during the Korean War. At the time he was serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Johnson was 20 years old.
Johnson was killed in the action for which his medal was awarded. The medal was presented on January 3, 2025, 71 years after the action — at the White House, Washington, D.C., by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Johnson was born on August 11, 1932 in Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut. His Medal of Honor is credited to Millbrook, Duchess County, New York. He is buried at Nine Partners Cemetery in Millbrook, New York.
Johnson is one of 153 Medal of Honor recipients from the Korean War and one of 678 credited to New York.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Private First Class Charles R. Johnson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity beyond the call of duty while defending Outpost Harry, against overwhelming odds, and making the ultimate sacrifice to save the lives of his comrades in the Republic of Korea during the period of June 11, 1953 to June 12, 1953. Private First Class Johnson was serving as a Browning Automatic Rifleman with Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Chinese forces attacked his unit during a massive nighttime assault. During the ensuing battle, overwhelming numbers of Chinese troops assaulted the trenches and bunkers defended by Private First Class Johnson and his squad. Private First Class Johnson, wounded from a direct artillery hit on his bunker and subsequently from a hand grenade thrown inside the bunker, at the personal disregard for his injuries, administered first aid to those more seriously injured. Understanding the seriousness of the situation and being under direct fire from the enemy, Private First Class Johnson personally dragged a wounded soldier to the safety of a secure bunker, stopping intermittently to aid injured soldiers and kill several enemy troops in hand-to-hand combat. Departing the safety of the second bunker, he conducted a search for weapons and ammunition then returned to rearm everyone. Recognizing their untenable situation and disregarding his personal safety, he exited the bunker, placing himself between the enemy and his injured comrades, informing them he would hold off the enemy forces as best as he could. His brave and selfless efforts were directly attributed to saving the lives of as many as ten soldiers. Private First Class Johnson's extraordinary actions in close combat with the enemy, unyielding courage and bravery, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Wounds and death in action
- Killed in action during the act for which the medal was awarded (June 12, 1953).
- Age at death: 20
- Resting place: Nine Partners Cemetery
From the archives
Pfc. Johnson is credited with saving 9 fellow servicemen during his Medal of Honor action.
Timeline
- August 11, 1932Born in Sharon, Litchfield County, Connecticut
- June 11 - 12, 1953Act of valor — Outpost Harry, Iron Triangle, KoreaAge 20. Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division Killed in action.
- January 3, 2025Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyAt the White House, Washington, D.C., by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
- Resting placeNine Partners CemeteryMillbrook, New York
Biography
Charles R. Johnson (11 August 1932 – 12 June 1953) was a United States Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on 3 January 2025 for his actions during the Battle of Outpost Harry in the Korean War.
From the Wikipedia article “Charles R. Johnson (soldier)”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
