Meet Henry Johnson, a heroic Harlem Hellfighter from World War I awarded the French Croix de Guerre for stopping an enemy force alone. Discover his forgotten story and the struggles he faced on and off the battlefield. Learn about the discrimination black soldiers faced during that time and Henry's journey to finally receiving the Medal of Honor in 2015.
Henry Johnson's heroic act of defending Needham Roberts showcases extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to Henry Johnson highlights the enduring impact of his valor and the quest for recognition.
Deep dives
Heroic Harlem Hellfighters Return from World War I
In the aftermath of World War I, the Harlem Hellfighters, the 369th Infantry Regiment, made a triumphant return to New York City. These black soldiers, highly decorated and known for their courage, completed 191 days of combat without yielding an inch of ground. Among them was Henry Johnson, whose remarkable bravery in single-handedly thwarting an enemy invasion in France made him a legendary figure both at the parade and in newspaper profiles. Johnson's heroic actions exemplified the valor and dedication of the Harlem Hellfighters, defying discrimination and segregation prevalent even in the military.
Henry Johnson’s Valor and Struggles
Henry Johnson's momentous act of confronting a German raiding party in no man's land during World War I epitomized extraordinary courage and resilience. Wounded 21 times, Johnson fiercely defended his fellow soldier, Needham Roberts, with only a bolo knife after his rifle failed. His indomitable spirit and unwavering determination held off the German attackers until reinforcements arrived, securing his reputation as a hero. However, Johnson's return to the United States was met with challenges, as his disabilities from the war, lack of recognition, financial struggles, and fading glory underscored the harsh realities faced by many veterans post-war.
Henry Johnson’s Struggle for Recognition and Legacy
Henry Johnson's post-war life was marred by obscurity and hardship, characterized by medical issues, financial instability, and disillusionment. Despite his remarkable wartime achievements, Johnson's heroism was largely forgotten, leading to his tragic decline and premature death in 1929. Decades after his heroic deeds in France, a grassroots movement led by veterans sought to rectify the lack of recognition for Johnson's valor. Through persistent advocacy, Henry Johnson posthumously received prestigious military accolades, including the Purple Heart, Distinguished Service Cross, and ultimately, the Medal of Honor, presented by President Barack Obama in 2015. Johnson's enduring legacy symbolizes the resilience, sacrifice, and quest for justice of those who serve their country with valor.
Honoring Courage: Henry Johnson's Medal of Honor
Henry Johnson's remarkable journey from a forgotten hero to a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor signifies a poignant tribute to his unwavering bravery and sacrifice. The long-overdue recognition of Johnson's extraordinary valor exemplifies the enduring impact of his actions and the resilience of those who courageously defend their country. By bestowing the Medal of Honor upon Johnson, his legacy is immortalized, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of those who selflessly protect and uphold the ideals of courage, justice, and sacrifice.
Henry Johnson, nicknamed Black Death, was one of the most famous American soldiers of World War I. He was part of the Harlem Hellfighters, the legendary all-Black U.S. Army unit, and awarded the French Croix de Guerre for single-handedly stopping an invading enemy force in the trenches. So how did he end up entirely forgotten? This is the story of one man’s inspiring fight – on and off the battlefield.
Special thanks to Washington University in St Louis Missouri for sharing archival material from the documentary Men of Bronze by William Miles.
