Henry Johnson was an African American born in 1898 in the South, at nine years old his family moved to Albany, New York to take advantage of the economic opportunities available there. When World War I broke out in Europe Henry Johnson joined the newly formed black New York National Guard unit. These black soldiers trained on the streets of New York City using broomsticks as rifles. When the United States entered the war Henry’s National Guard unit was activated and reluctantly sent to Europe.
Although they were anxious to fight, the government was not yet ready to allow black soldiers into the fighting. As fate would have it, the French got in trouble and asked for reinforcements, but none were available except the American black unit now called the 395th•
The 395th were not allowed to fight under the American insignia however, so they donned the French uniform and fought with French weapons.
Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts were on guard duty at night no man’s land when a group of24 to 30 Germans overran their position with hand grenades, gas, and small arms fire. Both Americans were wounded, Henry Johnson 21 times. The German troop took Needham Roberts captive and left Henry for dead. A few months later Henry came to and lit out after the Germans to save his friend. When Henry caught up to the German troop he fired his rifle killing 3 or 4, he then used his bayonet killing a couple of more, he then used the butt of his gun as a club. Finally he pulled out his bolo knife breaking off the blade. The few remaining troops ran for their lives. Henry then picked up his friend and carried him back to their post.
This is one of the most courageous act of bravery known to American fighting men, but possibly even more amazing is the fact that when Henry Johnson returned to his post he and Needham Roberts manned their guard post of six more hours until they were relieved the next morning, they then sought medical attention.
Henry Johnson returned a conquering hero, but was unable to perform the duties of a porter at the train station where he worked before the war, because his body was so badly disabled from his wounds. Henry was also denied Veterans benefits because he was wounded while fighting under the French flag.
So although Henry received the French’s highest award, the Croix de Guerre, he died in 1929 penniless.
Henry’s son, Herman Johnson himself became a Tuskegee Airman during World War II. Henry’s family never knew where his grave was, but in the year 2001 the final resting place of Henry Johnson was discovered in Arlington National Cemetery.
Henry is currently under consideration for the Congressional Medal of Honor.