[footfootfoot]

Henry Johnson recommended for Medal of Honor by U.S. Senator

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that his office has submitted its recommendation to the Secretary of the Army to reconsider Sgt. Henry Johnson for the Medal of Honor, on the anniversary of Johnson’s heroic action. Schumer recently revealed several new documents, and called on the Army to reconsider Johnson for the Medal of Honor in light of the never-before-considered evidence, with incontestable proof of Sgt. Henry Johnson’s extraordinary bravery in battle.

“Reports in hand show notable instance of bravery and devotion shown by 2 soldiers of American colored regiment operating in French sector. Before day light on May 15 Private Henry Johnson and Private Roberts while on sentry duty at some distance from one another were attached by German raiding party estimated at 20 men, who advanced in 2 groups attacking at once from flank and rear. Both men fought bravely in hand to hand encounters, one resorting to use of bolo knife after rifle jammed and further fighting with bayonet and butt became impossible. Evidence that at least one and probably second German was severely cut. Third known to have been shot. Attention drawn to fact that the 2 colored sentries first attacked continued fighting after receiving wounds, and despite of use of grenades by superior force, and should be given credit for preventing by their bravery the taking prisoner of our men. Three of our men wounded, of whom two by grenades but all are recovering, and wounds in two cases are slight.”

Schumer and his staff have also uncovered several other important pieces of evidence. The first is an eye-witness account of the ‘Battle of Henry Johnson’, from Needham Roberts who also fought the German forces alongside then-Private Johnson during the battle. In the extensive statement, Roberts highlights the bravery and self-sacrifice that Henry Johnson exhibited, particularly crediting him with the final blow of the battle. An eye witness account is typically required to receive the Medal of Honor.

Another piece of newly uncovered evidence is a letter written by Colonel William Hayward also detailing the event, which Schumer’s office discovered had been read into the Congressional Record on September 4, 1918. This gives the letter legitimacy it didn’t have before.