Henry Lincoln Johnson

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Henry Johnson biographical cartoon by Charles Alston, 1943
Henry Johnson biographical cartoon by Charles Alston, 1943
For other persons named Henry Johnson, see Henry Johnson (disambiguation).

Henry Lincoln Johnson (1897 - July 5, 1929) was an American soldier, and recipient of the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross and French Croix de Guerre.

Johnson was born in the South and moved to Albany, New York when he was in his early teens. He worked as a redcap porter at the Albany Union Station on Broadway. Johnson enlisted in the Army June 5, 1917, joining the all-black New York National Guard unit, the 369th Infantry Regiment, based in Harlem. Assigned to the French command in World War I, Johnson arrived in France on New Year’s Day, 1918. While on guard duty on May 14, 1918, then Private Johnson came under attack by a German raider party. Johnson displayed uncommon heroism when, using his rifle and a bolo knife, he repelled the Germans, thereby rescuing a comrade from capture and saving the lives of his fellow soldiers.

Johnson in 1918, wearing his Croix de Guerre.
Johnson in 1918, wearing his Croix de Guerre.

Sgt. Henry Johnson was the first American soldier in World War I to receive the Croix de Guerre with star and Gold Palm from the French government.

Johnson died in Albany, New York at the Veterans Hospital, on July 5, 1929, penniless, estranged from his wife and family and without official recognition from the U.S. government. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Interest in obtaining fitting recognition for Johnson grew during the 70’s and 80’s. In November 1991 a monument was erected in Washington Park in his honor, and a section of Northern Boulevard was renamed Henry Johnson Boulevard.

In June 1996, Johnson was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart by President Bill Clinton. In February of 2003, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second highest award, was presented to Herman Johnson, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, on behalf of his father. John Howe, a Viet Nam veteran who had campaigned tirelessly for recognition for Johnson, and US Army Major General Nathaniel James, President of the 369th Veterans Association, were present at the ceremony in Albany (see[1]).

In December 2004 the Postal facility at 747 Broadway was renamed the “United States Postal Service Henry Johnson Annex.” Work continues to upgrade his Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor.

On September 4th 2007 the City of Albany dedicated the Henry Johnson Charter School. Johnson's granddaughter was in attendance.

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