The greatest person that history has forgotten?

Henry Johnson, also known as "Black Death," was an American hero and one of the most decorated soldiers of World War I. Johnson was born on December 1, 1892, in Alexandria, Virginia, to a family of former slaves. He grew up in poverty and worked as a railway porter and in other manual labor jobs before enlisting in the US Army in 1917.

Johnson was sent to Europe to fight in World War I as part of the 369th Infantry Regiment, a segregated unit made up of African American soldiers. The 369th Regiment, also known as the Harlem Hellfighters, was the first African American regiment to fight in the war and they did so under the French flag as part of the French army. The Hellfighters saw combat in some of the most brutal and intense fighting of the war, including the Battle of Chateau-Thierry and the Battle of Belleau Wood.

On May 14, 1918, Johnson and a fellow soldier, Needham Roberts, were on sentry duty in the Argonne Forest in northeastern France when they were attacked by a large German raiding party. Despite being severely outnumbered, Johnson fought off the attackers with a bolo knife and a rifle, using his body as a shield to protect Roberts. Johnson sustained 21 wounds, including several in his legs, arms, and face, but he continued to fight until he collapsed from exhaustion.

Johnson's bravery and heroism in battle earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Croix de Guerre, France's highest military award, and the Distinguished Service Cross, the United States' second-highest military award for valor. He was also one of the first Americans to be awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds in combat.

Despite his bravery and heroics, Johnson faced discrimination and racism upon his return to the United States. He struggled to find work and suffered from ill health as a result of his wounds. Johnson died on July 1, 1929, at the age of 36, and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

Johnson's story was largely forgotten for many years, but in the 1990s, a renewed interest in his life and accomplishments led to efforts to recognize his bravery and heroism. In 1996, New York State Senator Jesse Hamilton introduced a bill to posthumously award Johnson the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military award for valor. The bill was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2015, making Johnson the first African American soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions in World War I.

Johnson's story is an important part of American history and a testament to the bravery and sacrifices of all African American soldiers who have served in the United States military. It is a reminder that despite the systemic racism and discrimination faced by African Americans in the military and society, they have continued to fight and serve with bravery and distinction.

Johnson's legacy lives on today through the efforts of those who continue to work to preserve his memory and to recognize the contributions of African American soldiers to the nation's military history. The Henry Johnson American Legion Post in Albany, New York, is named in his honor, and several monuments and memorials have been erected in his memory, including a statue in Saratoga Springs, New York, and a plaque in the Argonne Forest in France.

In conclusion, Henry Johnson, also known as "Black Death," was a true American hero and a symbol of bravery and sacrifice. His story serves as a reminder of the contributions and sacrifices of African American soldiers in the United States military and their continued fight for recognition and equality. Johnson's legacy continues to inspire future generations and serves as a testament to the bravery and heroism of all American soldiers, regardless of their race or background.