Henry Johnson’s Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sergeant Henry Johnson (ASN: 1316046), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with Company C, 369th Infantry Regiment, 93d Division, A.E.F., in France during the period 13 to 15 May 1918. Private Johnson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force. While on a double sentry night duty, Private Johnson and a fellow soldier were attacked by a raiding party of Germans numbering almost twenty, wounding both. When the Germans were within fighting distance, he opened fire, shooting one of them and seriously wounding two more. The Germans continued to advance, and as they were about to be captured Private Johnson drew his bolo knife from his belt and attacked the Germans in a hand-to-hand encounter. Even though having sustained three grenade and shotgun wounds from the star, Private Johnson went to the rescue of his fellow soldier who was being taken prisoner by the enemy. He kept on fighting until the Germans were chased away. Private Johnson’s personal courage and total disregard for his own life reflect great credit upon himself, the 369th United States Infantry Regiment, the United States Army, and the United States of America.

Born: 1897 in Alexandria, Va…. Johnson’s unit was assigned to French command… Was the first American to be awarded the Croix de Geuerre with Gold Palm, France’s highest award for valor… Departed: 5 July 1929… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery