Johnny Carson: Bronze Star recipient?

[snopes]

Comment: Was Johnny Carson awarded the bronze star as a LTjg in WWII?

[Malruhn]

Johnny Carson (Tonite Show) joined the Navy on the V-12 program and served from 1943-1946 as an officer.

That's as close as I can get to him being awarded ANY medal.

Perhaps someone else's Google-fu is stronger than mine.

[Keeper of the Mad Bunnies]

According to this source, Carson did not see duty in an active combat zone.

Commissioned an ensign late in the war, Carson was assigned to the USS Pennsylvania ...

The Pennsylvania was torpedoed on August 12, 1945 and Carson reported for duty on the 14th — the last day of the war.

He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1992.

James Powell

did not see duty in an active combat zone

This isn't necessary for the Star (without V).

He was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1992.

The MF became the PMF in 1963. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom (without Distinction).