Henry Johnson Wasn't Awarded the Medal of Honor for His Daring WWI Rescue Until Nearly A Century Later

Despite many awards and accolades designed to honor acts of extraordinary courage, many acts of heroism still go unnoticed. This often happens as a result of prejudices, political viewpoints, and national loyalties. One prominent example involves the courageous service of William Henry Johnson, a soldier in the first African-American unit of the US Army to engage in combat during World War I.

Known more commonly as Henry Johnson, this soldier displayed exceptional valor by bravely confronting enemy forces in close-quarters combat, ultimately rescuing a comrade against overwhelming odds.

Henry Johnson enlisted in the New York National Guard

Henry Johnson's early life remains shrouded in mystery, even to himself. He believed he was born on July 15, 1892, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, but this is uncertain as he recorded different birth dates on various documents. As a young teenager, he worked as a railway porter, handling goods and luggage.

In mid-1917, Johnson joined the US Army upon learning that the 15th Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard was recruiting. This regiment was famous for enlisting only Black soldiers. Johnson and his comrades were dispatched to France, arriving there in January 1918.

Assigned to the French Army's 161st Division

From the get-go, the eager regiment - at that point renamed the 369th Infantry Regiment and later becoming known as the " Harlem Hellfighters " - was relegated to menial tasks, such cleaning and moving goods. They were temporarily assigned to the 161st Division of the French Army by Gen. John J. Pershing . It's believed the reason was that Pershing wanted to give African-American soldiers a chance to advance in leadership , which they couldn't do in the segregated US Army.

The French Army had no such issue and gladly accepted the men as reinforcements, kitting them out with equipment. Johnson and his regiment were deployed to Outpost 20, near the Argonne Forest.

A nighttime raid was Henry Johnson's chance to be a hero

On the night of May 14, 1918, Henry Johnson was unaware that he was about to experience the fight of his life. He, along with fellow soldier Needham Roberts, were on sentry duty on the edge of the forest. Their sentry shift was due to finish at midnight.

Two soldiers approached the pair to relieve them of their watch. Johnson, quickly recognizing the young men's inexperience, opted to stay with them, rather than leave. Roberts returned to his trench to sleep, but Johnson soon heard movement, rustling and the clipping of wire cutters.

German troops attack

Suddenly, out of the darkness, a swarm of German troops attacked his position. Calling for help, Roberts ran to Johnson's aid, but was struck by shrapnel and put out of action. He wasn't completely out of the fight, however, as he passed hand grenades to his fellow American, who threw them at the advancing Germans.

Once the grenades ran out, Johnson opened fire with his rifle, being hit himself in the side, head and hand in the process. His weapon eventually jammed, becoming a hand-to-hand implement instead, being swung like a bat into the enemy.

Fighting for his life, Johnson was caught on the head with a hard blow. Falling to the ground, dazed and beside his now-shattered rifle, he got back up and unsheathed his 14-inch bolo knife. He thrust, hacked and chopped with the blade, killing one man with a single strike. Noticing the Germans attempting to drag away the injured Roberts, he leaped upon them, injuring one in the ribs, before fending them off.

Johnson saved him and Roberts' lives

After an hour of intense combat, reinforcements arrived, prompting the Germans to retreat. Johnson's remarkable bravery ensured both his and Roberts' survival, with medical attention swiftly administered for their wounds.

The dawn's first light revealed the aftermath: their injuries, equipment, and four deceased German soldiers - Johnson reportedly wounded another 25–30. News of his heroic defense spread quickly, resulting in a promotion to sergeant and the nickname "the Black Death."

Awarded the Medal of Honor nearly a century later

For his efforts, the French awarded Henry Johnson the Croix de Guerre, one of their highest awards, before sending him back to the US. At the end of the First World War , the Harlem Hellfighters participated in a victory parade, with Johnson upfront. Still, they were not allowed to parade alongside the White troops.

After such an ordeal, many soldiers would return home to a hero's welcome, which Johnson did, to an extent, but it was a bittersweet achievement. Many publications quickly glossed over his race, or avoided mentioning it at all. He gave his all and returned to a country celebrating his efforts while still regarding him as an inferior citizen.

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The final years of Johnson's life mirrored the first, slipping into obscurity after the war, while receiving disability payments from the US government. It remains unclear how much his injuries affected his later life and job opportunities. He passed away on July 1, 1929 of myocarditis. The full extent of his actions weren't appreciated until he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996 and the Medal of Honor by then-US President Barack Obama in 2015.