In the grand annals of military history, many acts of heroism go unnoticed, buried under biases or political motives. One such overlooked hero is William Henry Johnson, a member of the 369th Infantry Regiment—better known as the Harlem Hellfighters. Johnson’s courage in the face of overwhelming odds is a story of grit, determination, and unparalleled bravery.
Born into Uncertainty, Driven by Duty
Henry Johnson’s early years are largely a mystery, even to him. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, around July 15, 1892 (though he listed different birthdates on various documents), he grew up working as a railway porter. It was this job that honed his work ethic and determination.
In 1917, Johnson enlisted in the U.S. Army when he heard that the 15th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard, an all-Black regiment, was recruiting. His decision to join came at a time when the nation was divided by racial segregation, but Johnson was driven by the desire to serve his country.
The Harlem Hellfighters and France
Initially, Johnson and his comrades were tasked with menial duties such as cleaning and transporting supplies. But in 1918, they were reassigned to the French Army’s 161st Division. General John J. Pershing, the U.S. Army leader in France, chose this arrangement partly to give Black soldiers more opportunities, something that was impossible in the racially segregated U.S. Army.
The French embraced these American soldiers, equipping them with weapons and sending them to the frontlines near the Argonne Forest. This decision would soon give Johnson the opportunity to prove his worth.
A Night That Defined Henry Johnson’s Legacy
On the night of May 14, 1918, Johnson, along with fellow soldier Needham Roberts, was on sentry duty. As their shift neared its end, Johnson, recognizing that the soldiers sent to relieve them were inexperienced, chose to stay a little longer. Roberts, meanwhile, took a short break to rest.
Suddenly, the quiet of the night shattered with the sound of wire cutters slicing through their defenses. A group of German soldiers launched an unexpected attack. As Roberts rushed back to help, he was injured by shrapnel, leaving Johnson to face the incoming enemy largely on his own.
A Battle for Survival
Despite being outnumbered and injured himself, Johnson fought back fiercely. He threw grenades, fired his rifle, and when it jammed, used it as a club, striking at the German forces. With a head wound and shattered weapon, Johnson refused to give up.
In a final act of desperation, Johnson pulled out his 14-inch bolo knife, fighting the Germans in close combat. When he noticed that they were trying to drag the wounded Roberts away, Johnson fought even harder, saving both of their lives. The battle raged for nearly an hour before reinforcements arrived, causing the Germans to retreat.
The Hero America Forgot
At dawn, the aftermath of the battle became clear. Johnson had killed four German soldiers and wounded up to 30 others. His bravery earned him the nickname “the Black Death” and a promotion to sergeant. The French military honored him with the Croix de Guerre, their highest award for valor.
But despite his incredible service, Johnson returned home to a country still steeped in racial prejudice. His contributions were largely ignored by the U.S. military and press. “He gave his all and returned to a country celebrating his efforts while still regarding him as an inferior citizen,” one report noted.
A Late Recognition
Henry Johnson’s final years were marked by hardship. He died in 1929, his bravery forgotten by most. It wasn’t until decades later that his heroism was fully acknowledged. In 1996, Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, followed by the Medal of Honor in 2015, nearly a century after his incredible stand.
Henry Johnson’s legacy serves as a reminder that true heroism is not bound by race, politics, or time. His actions speak to the courage of countless men and women whose stories remain untold, waiting for the recognition they deserve.
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