Henry Johnson Finally Gets What He Deserves – 100 Years in the Making!

In the shadows of history, some heroes remain overlooked for decades, their incredible acts of bravery lost to prejudice, politics, or time. One such story is that of Henry Johnson, an African-American soldier who defied impossible odds during World War I, saving a fellow soldier and fighting valiantly against enemy forces. Nearly a hundred years later, the world finally gave him the recognition he deserved: the Medal of Honor.

A Soldier With an Uncertain Past

Henry Johnson’s early years are shrouded in mystery, even to him. He believed he was born on July 15, 1892, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, though no official record confirms it. During his teenage years, Johnson worked as a railway porter, hauling luggage and goods for passengers. Life was tough, but Johnson’s resilience would soon find a new stage—the battlefield.

In 1917, as the United States entered World War I, Johnson enlisted in the Army. He joined the 15th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard, a unit composed entirely of African-American soldiers. By January 1918, the regiment had reached France, ready to serve.

Joining the French Army’s 161st Division

The 15th Infantry was renamed the 369th Infantry Regiment, later famously known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” Despite their eagerness, these soldiers were initially relegated to menial labor, such as cleaning and moving supplies. General John J. Pershing eventually assigned them to the French Army’s 161st Division, marking a turning point. Unlike the segregated U.S. Army, the French Army welcomed them as equals, providing them with equipment and meaningful roles.

Johnson and his unit were deployed to Outpost 20 near the Argonne Forest, a quiet sector that would soon become anything but.

A Night of Heroism in the Argonne Forest

On May 14, 1918, Henry Johnson was on sentry duty with another soldier, Needham Roberts. Their shift was to end at midnight, but Johnson, noticing the inexperience of the soldiers relieving them, chose to stay. Moments later, the quiet night shattered. The sound of rustling leaves and the snip of wire cutters signaled the approach of German forces.

Suddenly, a group of German soldiers attacked. Roberts rushed to help but was struck by shrapnel and incapacitated. Still, he managed to hand grenades to Johnson, who hurled them at the advancing enemy. When the grenades ran out, Johnson fired his rifle until it jammed. Undeterred, he used the rifle as a club, fighting off the attackers.

Even after being wounded multiple times, Johnson refused to give up. When a blow to the head knocked him down, he rose again, wielding a 14-inch bolo knife. With it, he killed one German soldier and wounded another, thwarting their attempt to drag Roberts away. His fierce determination forced the enemy to retreat.

A Legend Emerges

By the time reinforcements arrived, Johnson’s bravery had saved both his and Roberts’ lives. At dawn, the scene revealed the aftermath: four dead German soldiers and evidence of Johnson wounding up to 30 more. His actions earned him a promotion to sergeant and the nickname “Black Death.”

Recognition Long Overdue

For his heroics, Johnson received France’s Croix de Guerre, one of their highest honors. Yet, back in the U.S., his story was largely ignored. While Johnson participated in a victory parade with the Harlem Hellfighters, segregation kept them from marching with White troops. Though hailed as a hero by some, Johnson’s race often overshadowed his achievements in the eyes of the public.

“Many publications quickly glossed over his race, or avoided mentioning it at all,” highlighting the bittersweet reality of his return.

A Medal of Honor, 97 Years Later

After the war, Johnson struggled with injuries and discrimination, eventually dying in poverty in 1929. Decades passed before his story resurfaced. In 2015, nearly a century after his heroic stand, President Barack Obama awarded Henry Johnson the Medal of Honor, ensuring his legacy would no longer be forgotten.

“The least we can do is to say, ‘We know who you are, we know what you did for us, we are forever grateful,'” President Obama said during the ceremony.

Henry Johnson’s courage and sacrifice remind us that true heroism transcends time, race, and adversity. His long-overdue recognition not only honors his memory but also serves as a powerful reminder of the need to uncover and celebrate the hidden stories of our history.