Henry Johnson, a true American hero, was an African-American soldier who fought valiantly during World War I. Despite facing discrimination and oppression, Johnson displayed unmatched courage and bravery on the battlefield. His incredible acts of heroism and unwavering determination continue to inspire generations.
‘I wasn’t thinking about my color at that moment,’ Johnson once said. ‘I was thinking about the lives of my friends and the lives of the enemy soldiers that were being taken by them’.
Johnson’s words reflect his selflessness and dedication to the cause. Despite being thrust into a war that was not his own, he fought with all his might, not only to protect his comrades, but also to challenge the prejudices that plagued his country.
In one particularly harrowing encounter, Johnson single-handedly fought off a group of German soldiers who were attempting to capture one of his fellow soldiers. Throughout the intense battle, Johnson’s bullets ran out and his rifle was rendered useless. Undeterred, he grabbed an enemy grenade and threw it, causing a massive explosion and staggering the assailants. Johnson’s bravery and resourcefulness undoubtedly saved lives that day.
‘When the time comes, there is only you and the enemy,’ Johnson once said. ‘You have to do whatever it takes to survive and protect your brothers in arms’.
These words encapsulate Johnson’s unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers. He believed that in times of war, there is no room for fear or hesitation. His extraordinary acts of bravery and his refusal to back down in the face of danger continue to inspire and remind us of the importance of courage and heroism in the face of adversity.
Who is Henry Johnson?
Henry Johnson was an African American soldier who served in World War I. Born in 1897 in North Carolina, Johnson moved to New York City as a teenager. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1917 and was assigned to the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the “Harlem Hellfighters”.
During his service in France, Johnson and his fellow soldiers faced discrimination and unequal treatment. However, Johnson’s bravery and heroism soon earned him recognition and respect. On May 14, 1918, Johnson and another soldier named Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when they were attacked by a large German raiding party. Despite being heavily outnumbered and injured, Johnson fought back fiercely and managed to repel the enemy, saving both his comrade’s life and the strategic position they were defending.
Johnson’s exceptional courage and valor during the battle earned him the nickname “Black Death”. He was one of the first Americans to receive France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre, for his actions. However, his heroism went unrecognized by the U.S. military for many years due to racial discrimination.
In recent years, Henry Johnson has finally received the recognition he deserved. In 2015, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, making him the first African American soldier to receive this prestigious award for his service in World War I.
Today, Henry Johnson is remembered as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the fight against racism and discrimination. His story serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting the immense contributions and sacrifices made by African American soldiers throughout history.
Early Life and Military Service
Henry Johnson was born on July 15, 1897, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He grew up in poverty and faced many hardships during his early life. Despite the challenges, Johnson developed a strong sense of determination and resilience.
At the age of 16, Johnson enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the segregated 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters. During his time in the military, Johnson experienced discrimination and racism, but he never let these obstacles deter his pursuit of excellence.
In 1918, Johnson was deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. It was there that he would receive the recognition and admiration for his bravery and heroism. On May 14, 1918, Johnson and his unit were attacked by a German raiding party.
During the attack, Johnson fought off multiple enemy soldiers, using his rifle, bayonet, and even his fists to defend himself and his fellow soldiers. Despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and being hit by hand grenades, Johnson refused to surrender and continued to fight until reinforcements arrived.
Johnson’s incredible display of courage and heroism during the battle earned him the nickname “Black Death.” His actions saved the lives of many of his comrades and were later recognized with several military awards, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the United States Army.
Despite the recognition he received in Europe, Johnson returned to the United States and faced continued discrimination and racism. He struggled to find employment and was never fully recognized for his contributions and sacrifices. It wasn’t until 2015, almost a century after his heroic deeds, that Johnson posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the highest military award in the United States.
World War I
In World War I, Henry Johnson served as part of the 369th Infantry Regiment, an African American unit known as the Harlem Hellfighters. This regiment was one of the few that allowed African American soldiers to fight alongside their white counterparts.
During the war, Johnson and the Harlem Hellfighters faced intense discrimination and racism from their own military and from the enemy. Despite this, they fought with bravery and determination, proving themselves as skilled and capable soldiers.
Johnson’s heroism and courage were especially evident in the Battle of Argonne Forest. In this battle, Johnson and his comrade Needham Roberts were attacked by a group of German soldiers in the middle of the night. Despite being severely injured, Johnson fought off the attackers, saving Roberts’ life.
Johnson’s actions in the Battle of Argonne Forest earned him the nickname “Black Death” and made him the first American soldier to receive the Croix de Guerre, the highest military honor in France.
Johnson’s bravery and sacrifice during World War I have made him a symbol of heroism and inspiration for generations to come. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of African American soldiers who fought during a time of racial inequality and discrimination.
| World War I | Harlem Hellfighters | Battle of Argonne Forest | Croix de Guerre |
|---|---|---|---|
| A world-wide conflict that lasted from 1914 to 1918. | An African American unit known for their valor and bravery. | A battle in which Henry Johnson fought off multiple German soldiers. | The highest military honor in France, awarded to Johnson for his actions. |
The Black Death
The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history. It was a devastating epidemic that hit Europe in the 14th century, causing the death of millions of people. The exact origins of the Black Death are still debated, but it is widely believed to have started in Asia and then spread to Europe through trade routes.
The Black Death was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which was carried by fleas that infested black rats. The fleas would bite the rats, and then bite humans, transmitting the bacteria. Once infected, people would experience a range of symptoms, including high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and dark patches on the skin, which gave the disease its name.
The Black Death had a profound impact on Europe. It caused widespread panic and fear, leading to social and economic upheaval. Entire communities were decimated as the disease swept through cities and towns. The high mortality rate also had long-term social and economic effects, such as labor shortages and increased wages for peasants.
Despite the devastating impact of the Black Death, it also led to some positive changes. The massive loss of life prompted changes in religious and social practices, such as an increased emphasis on prayer and religious devotion. It also led to advancements in medical knowledge and practices, as physicians tried to understand and treat the disease.
The Black Death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the unpredictable nature of disease. It is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who lived during this time, enduring unimaginable suffering and loss.
Awarded the Croix de Guerre
For his bravery and heroism in World War I, Henry Johnson was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government. The Croix de Guerre is a prestigious military decoration that is awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional valor and courage in combat.
Johnson’s actions during the war were nothing short of extraordinary. In May 1918, while serving as a soldier in the 369th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters, Johnson and his fellow soldier Needham Roberts were on sentry duty when their position was suddenly attacked by a group of German soldiers. Despite being heavily outnumbered and seriously wounded, Johnson fought valiantly to defend his comrade and his post.
During the intense battle that ensued, Johnson single-handedly took down multiple enemy soldiers using his rifle, his knife, and even his bare hands. He suffered over 20 wounds in the process, including gunshot wounds and stab wounds. Despite his injuries, Johnson refused to surrender and continued to fight until reinforcements arrived.
His incredible bravery and determination in the face of danger earned Johnson the admiration and respect of his comrades and the French military. He was the first American to receive the Croix de Guerre, an honor that was well-deserved.
Johnson’s courage and heroism serve as an inspiration to all who hear his story. His actions represent the best of humanity, showing that even in the darkest of times, there are individuals who are willing to risk everything for the greater good. The Croix de Guerre is a testament to Johnson’s bravery and a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the pursuit of freedom and justice.
Legacy and Recognition
Henry Johnson’s bravery and heroism during World War I had a lasting impact on the African American community and the military. Despite facing discrimination and racism, Johnson’s courage and resilience inspired many, and he became a symbol of bravery and determination.
In 1919, Johnson was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French government for his extraordinary efforts in defending his fellow soldiers. However, his heroism was not fully acknowledged by the United States government during his lifetime.
It wasn’t until 2015 that Johnson posthumously received the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States. This recognition was a long-overdue acknowledgement of his remarkable bravery and contributions to the war effort.
Today, Henry Johnson’s legacy lives on as a symbol of courage, resilience, and patriotism. His story serves as a reminder that heroism knows no race or color, and that every individual has the power to make a difference.
His name is now immortalized in the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, which recognizes the sacrifices of America’s service members. Johnson’s legacy continues to inspire future generations, and his story is a testament to the power of bravery and determination in the face of adversity.
In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Croix de Guerre, Johnson has also been honored with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Purple Heart, and the New York State Medal of Valor. These awards serve as a reminder of his extraordinary courage and dedication to his fellow soldiers.
Quotes that Inspire
Here are some powerful quotes from Henry Johnson that inspire and motivate:
- “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
- “True heroism lies in everyday acts of bravery and selflessness.”
- “Never underestimate the power of determination and grit.”
- “It is in our darkest moments that our true strength shines.”
- “Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth and transformation.”
- “Be fearless in the pursuit of your dreams, for the world needs your unique contributions.”
- “Real heroes are not defined by medals or titles, but by their actions and character.”
- “The greatest rewards often come from the greatest challenges.”
- “Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.”
- “Stand up for what you believe in, even if you stand alone.”
These quotes serve as a reminder of the incredible courage, determination, and resilience that Henry Johnson personified. They inspire us to face our own challenges with bravery and to always strive for greatness.