4-15-18 Garand Picture of the day

[Mark in Rochester]

When the 101st Airborne Division dug in on the "Island" (a small strip of land between the Waal and Rhine Rivers),

the 501st was subjected to mortar and artillery fire that killed and maimed many men. Colonel Johnson was able to keep the morale up and the regiment executed several successful patrols. On October 8, 1944, Johnson and his young executive officer, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Ewell, a West Point graduate, were visiting the front lines. Suddenly, some mortar shells hit the area. Men raced for cover and got down. Some of them were killed by the barrage. A large fragment hit the Colonel in the stomach. He fell to the ground. The medics knew that the wound was very serious, if not fatal. Two hours later, Johnson groaned, "Take care of my boys" to Colonel Ewell. Seconds later, he was dead.

Colonel (Infantry) Howard R. Johnson (ASN: 0-16647), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces from 6 to 8 June 1944, in France. Colonel Johnson's outstanding leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 101st Airborne Division, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, First U.S. Army, General Orders No. 87 (1944)
Action Date: June 6–8, 1944Service: ArmyRank: ColonelCompany: Commanding OfficerRegiment: 501st Parachute Infantry RegimentDivision: 101st Airborne Division