Now through July 1, the Medal of Honor of one of Albany’s greatest heroes, Sgt. Henry Johnson, will be on display in the rotunda of City Hall.
The medal is the same one that was awarded posthumously to Sgt. Johnson on June 2, 2015, in a White House ceremony by then-President Barack Obama after a long and persistent grassroots effort by local 369th Infantry Regiment veterans and elected officials.
Sgt. Johnson, the namesake of Albany High School’s JROTC battalion, was acclaimed for his bravery in battle during World War I, but paid a terrible price when he came home and spoke out against the racism he faced in the military and in Jim Crow America.
Individuals, students and families interested in Albany and African-American history are encouraged to visit the exhibit, and discussions with soldiers familiar with Sgt. Johnson’s life can be arranged by sending an email to dgaffney@albanyny.gov.
The display at City Hall consists of the Medal of Honor as well as other objects associated with the 369th, including a bolo knife, a helmet, a 369th sleeve insignia and the Croix de Guerre, the French medal awarded to Sgt. Johnson.
The exhibit also includes an informative New York State Museum kiosk that contains images and information about Sgt. Johnson’s life and heroism, as well as the WMHT documentary, “Henry Johnson: A Tale of Courage.”
The exhibit is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, for the commemoration of Juneteenth. Evening hours are available until 8 p.m. on Monday, May 16 and Wednesday, June 29.
