World War I - U.S. Army

Harold Irving Johnston

• Rank: Sergeant (rank at time of action: Private First Class)
• Conflict/Era: World War I
• Unit/Command:
  Company A, 356th Infantry,
  89th Division
• Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
• Medal of Honor Action Date: November 9, 1918
• Medal of Honor Action Place: near Pouilly, France

When information was desired as to the enemy's position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Sgt. Johnston, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location of the enemy. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return. This was accomplished after a severe struggle which so exhausted him that he had to be assisted from the water, after which he rendered his report of the exploit.