Today is Henry Johnson’s birthday. Here is the story of his famous incident.
HENRY JOHNSON – When on outpost duty on May 4, 1918, he heard wire cutters being used, so he and Needham Roberts went to investigate and both were wounded by grenades. The outpost was being attacked by at least a dozen Germans. He killed three Germans with his rifle, then used his 8 inch bolo knife to club a fourth who yelled: “The little black SOB has got me.” Johnson responded: “Yes, and his lil’ black SOB is going to get you again if you get up.” He looked around and saw two Germans carrying the wounded Roberts away. He put the knife through one of their skulls and into the other’s throat. The German officer now came at him with a pistol and shot Johnson who fell to his knees, but he drove the knife into his stomach. The remaining Germans had had enough and retreated. Johnson hurried them by throwing grenades at them. Johnson had suffered 21 wounds. He killed 4 Germans and wounded at least 10. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre (their equivalent of the Medal of Honor). He did not get the Medal of Honor until 2014. Better late than never.
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