Captain Johanson

Decorated for Distinguished Service

MANY people in the Pacific Territories will learn .with pleasure that the President of the United States has the Merchant Marine Dis tinguished Service Medal to Captain Elis R. Johanson, the well-known master of the liner “Monterey,” for “distinguished service in action against the enemy.”

The citation says: “In a night attack by enemy bombers, a troopship, carrying nearly 1,700 men, was torpedoed. In total darkness, and under most adverse-weather conditions of wind, rain and heavy swell. Captain Johanson located the sinking transport, held his own ship close aboard, and, by

Vice-Admiral Greenslade pinning the Merchant Marine DSM upon Captain Johanson, “It was possible only because of the courage and skill of my officers and crew,” said Captain Johanson. means of his lifeboats, scramble nets, manropes and ladders, evacuated her crew and passengers in an outstanding display of seamanship and efficiency.

“The abandonment of the troopship and the rescue of her survivors were carried out with such dispatch that Captain Johanson’s ship was able to clear the scene *of action well before daylight, thereby avoiding further jeopardy from enemy aircraft or submarine.

“These operations, carried out without loss of life or injury attributable to the rescue, were indicative of a well indoc trinated and highly trained ship, and dis tinguished Captain Johanson as an out standing officer and a leader of men.”