Early Years
Private Henry Johnson was born in 1892 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and eventually moved to Albany, New York where he worked as a railroad porter.
Career
In 1917, Johnson enlisted in the all-black 369th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard. He was sent to the Western Front as part of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I.
Private Henry Johnson – Hero of WWI
Private Henry Johnson was an African-American World War I veteran who served in the all-black New York National Guard unit. During the Western Front, on the night of May 14th 1918, Johnson and a comrade were attacked by a group of German soldiers. In a heroic feat, Johnson single-handedly killed 4 attackers and wounded at least 20 more, before succumbing to his wounds. For his actions, he was awarded the French Croix de Guerre, becoming the first American to receive the honor. Johnson is remembered as a true hero and a symbol of African-American pride and achievement.
