Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

It is indeed a Juneteenth reason to celebrate. An American military installation just west of Alexandria has bestowed an honor on a Black soldier who was much more than a hero. For decades, Fort Polk has served as a military installation that has sent thousands, if not millions of Americans to distant lands to fight for freedom. It is home to the Joint Readiness Training Center and the Third Brigade Combat Team of the Tenth Mountain Division. Now the installation has a new name that opens a new chapter telling the world what this nation can do to help make things right. The base will now forever be called Fort Johnson, named after a Black American soldier who presidential candidates like Ron DeSantis would rather kids not read/learn about in school. Sgt. William Henry Johnson, who was called “the first Black hero” of World War 1 did things in battle that a movie couldn’t bring justice to. Johnson served in France in 1918 and according to the historical record, he was in a fight against German soldiers where he was injured an astounding 21 times in the attack. Johnson used all of his grenades during the attack and when he ran out of ammunition, he charged the enemy swinging his rifle like a club. Doing hand-to-hand combat, Johnson used a bolo knife, as he fought off two German soldiers while rescuing Pvt. Needham Roberts who had been severely injured.

Fort Folk was named after Confederate General Leonidas Polk, during the time of appeasement to the South, to name military bases after their soldiers even though they fought against the country, losing the war. Nonetheless, the Federal Naming Commission was given the task of recommending changes for nine military bases named for Confederates, making this the first time bases will be named after Black soldiers and women. When Johnson came home from Europe, he was given a hero’s welcome. Soon after that died down, Johnson didn’t receive any benefits for his injuries, nor could he find work to support himself because of those injuries. He died a destitute man with nothing. He was buried with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery according to military records.

For his bravery, Johnson was awarded France’s highest honor, the Croix de Guerre avec Palme. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart in 1996, and in 2002, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross which was later upgraded in 2015 to the Medal of Honor. For African Americans, it shows that the men and women who served in the world wars and other conflicts where they fought and died, that they are “truly” recognized. It is also seen as a “significant step forward in recognition and healing in the Black community”, said Daenel Vaughn-Tucker, an Army veteran.