March 29, 2025 Story by: Editor
Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, William Henry Johnson moved to New York during his teenage years. He took on various jobs, including working as a chauffeur, soda mixer, coal yard laborer, and a redcap porter at Albany’s Union Station. On June 5, 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Company C of the 15th New York (Colored) Infantry Regiment—an all-Black National Guard unit that would later be redesignated as the 369th Infantry Regiment.
In 1918, the 369th Infantry Regiment was deployed to battle and placed under the command of a French army colonial unit for front-line combat. Johnson served a tour of duty from 1918 to 1919 on the western edge of the Argonne Forest in France’s Champagne region.
Due to his extraordinary bravery in combat, Johnson became one of the first Americans to receive the French Croix de Guerre avec Palme, France’s highest honor for valor.
Then-Pvt. Henry Johnson served as a member of Company C, 369th Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division, American Expeditionary Forces, during combat operations against the enemy on the front lines of the Western Front in France.
While on night sentry duty, May 15, 1918, Johnson and a fellow Soldier, Pvt. Needham Roberts, received a surprise attack by a German raiding party consisting of at least 12 soldiers.
While under intense enemy fire and despite receiving significant wounds, Johnson mounted a brave retaliation resulting in several enemy casualties. When his fellow Soldier was badly wounded, Johnson prevented him from being taken prisoner by German forces.
Johnson exposed himself to grave danger by advancing from his position to engage an enemy soldier in hand-to-hand combat. Wielding only a knife and being seriously wounded, Johnson continued fighting, took his Bolo knife and stabbed it through an enemy soldier’s head.
Displaying great courage, Johnson held back the enemy force until they retreated. The enemy raid’s failure to secure prisoners was due to the bravery and resistance of Johnson and his fellow comrade. The effect of their fierce fighting resulted in the increased vigilance and confidence of the 369th Infantry Regiment.
After returning home, Johnson was unable to resume his job as a porter because of the lasting effects of 21 combat injuries. He passed away in July 1929 and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
His heroism was formally recognized years later, as he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996 and the Distinguished Service Cross in 2002.
Source: U.S Army
