Billy Johnson, Pfc, Usmc

Billy Edward Johnson was born on August 29, 1929. According to records Texas was his home or enlistment state and Crosby County included within the archival record, with Crosbyton listed as the city. He had enlisted in the Marine Corps. Served during the Korean War. He had the rank of Private First Class. He served with Detachment 1, 32nd Air Navy Gunfire Liaison Company ANGLICO , 1st Marine Division.

The Battle of Chosin Reservoir, also known as the Chosin Reservoir Campaign was a decisive battle in the Korean War. On 27 November, the Chinese Army surprised UN Forces at the Chosin Reservoir area. A brutal 17-day battle in freezing weather and rough terrain soon followed. In the period between 27 November and 13 December 1950, 30,000 United Nations troops were encircled and attacked by approximately 120,000 Chinese troops.

The cold weather was accompanied by frozen ground, resulting in frostbite casualties, icy roads, and weapon malfunctions. In the end over 17,000 UN forces were killed or wounded or missing in action, or died of wounds. The Chinese suffered 3 times that amount.

The President of the United States of America presented the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Billy Edward Johnson (MCSN: 668112), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Radio Operator attached to the Air and Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 30 November 1950. When the vitally needed radio became inoperative during a fierce assault by a numerically superior hostile force, Private First Class Johnson voluntarily proceeded over open ground in the face of deadly enemy fire to salvage parts from an abandoned radio. Although suffering frostbitten fingers while working without gloves in the sub-zero weather, he braved continuous hostile fire until the essential radio was again operative. By his outstanding courage and inspiring actions throughout, Private First Class Johnson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

He was listed as Missing in Action while fighting the enemy in Korea on November 30, 1950. He was presumed dead on December 7, 1953. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced that Marine Corps Pfc. Billy E. Johnson, 21, of White Oak, Texas, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for Aug. 7, 2019.