Charles R. Johnson (soldier)

Shielding wounded comrades at Outpost Harry

Charles Robert Johnson earned the Medal of Honor for defending Outpost Harry, Korea, on June 11 and 12, 1953. A private first class in Company B, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, he fought during a massive nighttime Chinese assault.

Wounded by artillery and a grenade, Johnson treated more seriously injured soldiers and dragged a comrade to a secure bunker. He searched for weapons and ammunition to rearm the defenders. He then placed himself between the enemy and his wounded comrades, holding off the attackers at the cost of his life.

Born in Sharon, Connecticut, on August 11, 1932, Johnson was buried at Nine Partners Cemetery in Millbrook, New York. His Medal of Honor was awarded posthumously on January 3, 2025.

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.