A U.S. Army base in western Louisiana was renamed Tuesday to honor Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black hero of World War I who received the Medal of Honor nearly a century later.
He survived the war, and former President Theodore Roosevelt named him one of the five bravest Americans to serve in the conflict. He insisted he was no hero, and the Army biography quotes him as saying, “There wasn’t anything so fine about it. Just fought for my life. A rabbit would have done that.”
However, Johnson's actions were not recognized by the Army, which denied him a disability allowance and did not award him a Purple Heart. Due to his injuries, he struggled after returning home to Albany, New York, and died of a heart condition in 1929. He was 32 years old.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Army renames Louisiana base for Black WWI hero who received Medal of HonorFort Johnson, which had previously been named after a Confederate commander, now honors Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a Black hero of World War I.
Read more »
Black Seed: London fund raises $6.25 million to back Black foundersEarly-stage investor Black Seed wants to help create the Black Silicon Valley. It just raised $6.25 million to do just that.
Read more »
Students from Texas, Louisiana learn about careers in aviation, aerospace at San Antonio’s Tech PortThe Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) is hosting its 36th annual conference in San Antonio
Read more »
Why isn't Marcell Jacobs close to matching his stunning gold medal Tokyo Olympics form?For those of us of a certain age, Craig Mack's 1994 hit 'Flava in Ya Ear' is a classic, and just hearing it — or its remix with Notorious B.I.G, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Rampage — bring back high school memories.
Read more »
Ukraine’s Offensive Relies on Army Gear That Doesn’t ShootIn Kyiv’s push against entrenched Russian forces, some of its most vital military gear is a collection of vehicles that keeps weaponry operating and helps troops advance.
Read more »