Living Christmas Story

Know Your Medal of Honor Recipients:

Private Elden H. Johnson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on June 3, 1944, near Valmontone, Italy. His citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Johnson elected to sacrifice his life in order that his comrades might extricate themselves from an ambush. Braving the massed fire of about 60 riflemen, 3 machineguns, and 3 tanks from positions only 25 yards distant, he stood erect and signaled his patrol leader to withdraw. The whole area was brightly illuminated by enemy flares. Then, despite 20mm. machineguns, machine pistol, and rifle fire directed at him, Pvt. Johnson advanced beyond the enemy in a slow deliberate walk. Firing his automatic rifle from the hip, he succeeded in distracting the enemy and enabled his 12 comrades to escape. Advancing to within 5 yards of a machinegun, emptying his weapon, Pvt. Johnson killed its crew. Standing in full view of the enemy he reloaded and turned on the riflemen to the left, firing directly into their positions. He either killed or wounded 4 of them. A burst of machinegun fire tore into Pvt. Johnson and he dropped to his knees. Fighting to the very last, he steadied himself on his knees and sent a final burst of fire crashing into another German. With that he slumped forward dead. Pvt. Johnson had willingly given his life in order that his comrades might live. These acts on the part of Pvt. Johnson were an inspiration to the entire command and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

Corporal Follett Johnson (US Army) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on May 27, 1864, at New Hope Church, Georgia. His citation reads:

Voluntarily exposed himself to the fire of a Confederate sharpshooter, thus drawing fire upon himself and enabling his comrade to shoot the sharpshooter.

Seaman Henry Johnson (US Navy) received his Medal of Honor for his actions on August 5, 1864, on board the USS Metacomet. His citation reads:

As seaman on board the U.S.S. Metacomet, Johnson served as a member of the boat's crew which went to the rescue of the U.S. Monitor Tecumseh when that vessel was struck by a torpedo in passing the enemy forts in Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864. He braved the enemy fire which was said by the admiral to be "one of the most galling" he had ever seen, and aided in rescuing from death 10 of the crew of the Tecumseh, thereby eliciting the admiration of both friend and foe.


Come out to Bethany United Methodist Church tomorrow night to see the Living Christmas Story. I’ll be there for the first part of the night… maybe even the whole night. The LCS will be going on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights… make sure you check it out.


The I’m just sayin… Quote of the Week

Do not permit what you cannot do to interfere with what you can do. - Coach John Wooden