Henry Johnson (World War I soldier) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Johnson
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| Birth name | William Henry Johnson |
| Nickname(s) | Black Death, Harlem Terminator |
| Born | c. July 15, 1892 Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States |
| Died | July 1, 1929 (aged 36) Washington, D.C., United States |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 369th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Medal of Honor Purple Heart (2) Croix de Guerre (France) |
William Henry Johnson (born around July 15, 1892 – died July 1, 1929), known as Henry Johnson, was a brave United States Army soldier. He was part of the first African American unit to fight in World War I. On May 14, 1918, in the Argonne Forest, he fought off a German attack all by himself. He used hand-to-hand combat, saved a fellow soldier, and was wounded 21 times. His amazing bravery was shared across the nation in newspapers and magazines.
On June 2, 2015, Henry Johnson was given the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. This award was given to him after his death in a special ceremony. In 1918, the French government gave Johnson the Croix de Guerre. He was the first U.S. soldier in World War I to receive this high French honor.
Henry Johnson passed away in 1929. It took a long time for the U.S. military to give him the recognition he deserved. He finally received the Purple Heart in 1996. In 2002, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. After many attempts, he was finally honored with the Medal of Honor in 2015. In 2022, it was suggested that Fort Polk in Louisiana be renamed Fort Johnson, in his honor.
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Henry Johnson's Early Life
Henry Johnson said he was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on July 15, 1892. He used this date when he signed up for the war. However, he sometimes used different dates on other papers. He moved to Albany, New York when he was a teenager. There, he worked as a porter at the Albany Union Station.
Joining the Military
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Henry Johnson joined the U.S. Military on June 5, 1917. He became part of the all-black New York National Guard 15th Infantry Regiment. This unit later became the 369th Infantry Regiment, based in Harlem.
When the 369th Infantry arrived in France, they were first given labor duties. They did not get combat training right away. The 369th was later assigned to the French Army. This happened because of challenges with integrating different units in the U.S. Army. Johnson arrived in France on New Year's Day, 1918.
The French Army needed more soldiers and welcomed the American troops. The 369th Infantry Regiment was nicknamed the "Harlem Hellfighters." They were among the first American units to arrive in France. They also became one of the most decorated units when they returned home. The 369th was an all-black unit. Most of its officers, including their commander, Colonel William Hayward, were white.
Fighting in France
The French Army sent Johnson's regiment to Outpost 20. This was at the edge of the Argonne Forest in France. They were given French rifles and helmets. On the night of May 14, 1918, Johnson was on guard duty. A large group of German soldiers, possibly as many as 36, attacked his position.
Johnson fought them off using grenades, his rifle, a bolo knife, and even his bare hands. He killed four Germans and wounded others. He also saved Needham Roberts from being captured. Johnson suffered 21 wounds during this heroic fight. Because of his amazing bravery, he earned the nickname "Black Death."
News of Johnson's heroic actions spread quickly. An article called "Young Black Joe" was published in The Saturday Evening Post on August 24, 1918.
When he returned home, Sergeant Johnson marched in a victory parade. This parade was on Fifth Avenue in New York City in February 1919. Johnson later gave speeches about his experiences. He spoke about the difficulties black soldiers faced, even from some white American soldiers. After this, his paid speaking events stopped.
Military Awards and Honors
The French government gave Johnson the Croix de Guerre. This award came with a special citation and a golden palm. He was the first American soldier to receive this honor.
In June 1996, President Bill Clinton awarded Johnson the Purple Heart. This was given to him after his death. In February 2003, Johnson received the Distinguished Service Cross. This is the Army's second highest award. John Howe, a veteran who worked hard for Johnson's recognition, was at the ceremony. The award was accepted by Herman A. Johnson. He was a Tuskegee Airman from World War II. At the time, people thought he was Henry Johnson's son. This mistake was corrected in 2015.
Receiving the Medal of Honor
On May 14, 2015, the White House announced that Henry Johnson would receive the Medal of Honor. President Barack Obama presented it. The ceremony took place on June 2, 2015. Command Sergeant Major Louis Wilson accepted the medal for Johnson. President Obama said, "The least we can do is to say, 'We know who you are, we know what you did for us. We are forever grateful.'"
The official award description praised Private Johnson's bravery. It said he showed "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life." He fought a German raiding party of at least 12 soldiers. Even though he was badly wounded, he fought back bravely. He saved his fellow soldier from being captured. Johnson fought hand-to-hand with a knife. He held off the enemy until they retreated. His actions showed the highest traditions of military service.
Later Life and Passing
Records show that Henry Johnson was given a "permanent and total disability" rating. This was on September 16, 1927, due to a tuberculosis infection. He received monthly payments and medical visits until he passed away.
Henry Johnson died on July 1, 1929, in Washington, D.C.. He passed away from a heart condition called myocarditis. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on July 6, 1929.
Henry Johnson's Legacy
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In 1919, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., the son of former President Theodore Roosevelt, called Johnson one of the "five bravest Americans" in World War I.
People worked for many years to get Henry Johnson the recognition he deserved. In November 1991, a monument was built in his honor in Albany, New York. A part of Northern Boulevard was also renamed Henry Johnson Boulevard.
In December 2004, a Postal facility in Albany was renamed the "United States Postal Service Henry Johnson Annex." On September 4, 2007, the Henry Johnson Charter School was opened in Albany. Johnson's granddaughter attended the dedication.
A 1918 poster honoring Johnson's wartime bravery was featured on the TV show History Detectives in 2012. In December 2014, a national defense bill included a plan to award Johnson the Medal of Honor. This was added by Senator Chuck Schumer.
For many years, it was believed that Herman Archibald Johnson was Henry Johnson's son. However, research done before Henry Johnson received the Medal of Honor showed they were not related.
In December 2014, the City School District of Albany started a Junior Reserve Officers' Training Program (JROTC). It is at Albany High School and is named the Henry Johnson Battalion. Over 100 students are part of this program.
In 2017, a documentary about Henry Johnson aired on PBS. It was called Henry Johnson: A Tale of Courage. Johnson's story is also told in a song by the band 1914.
See also
In Spanish: Henry Johnson (soldado de la Primera Guerra Mundial) para niños
