If you don't read another one of my posts this month, please read this one about a 5'4" 130lb Soldier that Teddy Roosevelt called one of the five bravest Americans to serve in WWI...
He was the first American soldier ever to receive the award. Johnson was an icon on the home front, and his story motivated many African-Americans to support the war effort. Serving with his unit through many subsequent battles, he became known as “Black Death” and was paraded
Ultimately, Johnson single-handedly engaged approximately two dozen men that night, killing at least four; few returned to their lines unscathed. Despite being outnumbered by a factor of twenty and sustaining 21 separate wounds in hand-to-hand combat, he had saved his comrade,
On Tuesday, 14 May 1918, William Henry Johnson stood sentry at the foremost redoubt on the flank of a forward trench in the Argonne Forest. Johnson’s presence at that position alone was improbable: most American soldiers were yet to arrive in Europe as the nation struggled
Johnson’s action began around two o’clock in the morning, when a German raiding party suddenly attacked his position. Sent to cause chaos and capture or kill as many of the sleeping soldiers as possible, the German attack was unexpected and ferocious: the two Americans had barely
When he ran out of grenades, Johnson fired his rifle until he spent his ammunition. When he ran out of bullets, Johnson charged the enemy, swinging his rifle as a club. And when he observed two Germans about to carry his wounded comrade away for interrogation, Johnson abandoned
Always bittersweet to end a well deserved block leave, but so much easier when you have something GREAT to come back to!!
#forgingthewarriorspirit
@FORSCOM
You Are Not Forgotten!
Today we observe National POW/MIA Recognition Day, honoring those who were prisoners of war and those still missing in action.
More than 81,000 Americans remain missing from WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars and other
“Inspiring professionals, trusted and respected.” Congratulations to the current and former OCTs selected for command, including:
COL John Gabriel 1BCT, 101st
COL Aaron Thomas, DIVARTY, 101st
LTC Alan Causey, 1-305 IN
LTC Drew Zabriske, 704 BSB
LTC David Lukefahr, AFSBn Kuwait
There is no mystery behind the endurance and the success of American liberty. It is because in every generation, from the Revolutionary Period to this very hour, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States. Every one of them
Today is national
#MedalofHonorDay
, a time to remember the 3,500+ heroes who received the nation’s highest award for valor.
This summer, Fort Polk will be redesignated to Fort Johnson in honor of
#MedalofHonor
recipient Sgt. Henry William Johnson.
Learn more about his service
The Redesignation Ceremony will be June 13, 10 a.m. at Warrior Field.
Fort Polk will be redesignated to Fort Johnson in honor of
#MedalofHonor
recipient Sgt. William Henry Johnson.
A video of the ceremony will be posted on our social media.
Read more about Sgt. William Henry
This morning, we gathered together to pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
To our Gold Star Families - The Army is indebted to you..our Gold Star Families..You are the legacy of your service member...You deserve to be honored for your sacrifice on behalf of our
It was my honor to speak at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony.
At the ceremony, I met WWII Navy Veteran Mr. Jesse Mahaffey.
Not only did he survive the Pearl Harbor bombing while serving on the USS Oklahoma, but he also survived the sinking of the
‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience' Podcast: Leading with High Explosives thru the Fires Support Team w/MAJ West LaFitte
The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the twenty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Hosted by the Commander
#congratulations
to newly promoted
@USArmy
Captain Victor Gutierrez! JRTC and Fort Polk Commanding General Brig. Gen. David Doyle, presided over the promotion ceremony prior to conducting an airborne operation.
#airborne
@FORSCOM
Today our airfield became Maks Army Airfield in honor of 1st Lieutenant Joseph Maks and the crew from “Dustoff 33” (CW2 Patrick Donaldson, SGT Kelly Phillips and SGT Michael Smith). Dustoff 33 was assigned to the 36th Medical Detachment, stationed at then Fort Polk, LA. The unit
Country Music superstar,
@tobykeith
along with
@TheJacksonDean
took the stage to honor the military at the JRTC & Fort Polk’s Salute to the Troops. The event also featured the Black Daggers parachute team as well as an 80th Anniversary tribute to Fort Polk.
@FORSCOM
@USArmy
@SecArmy
the Hon. Christine E. Wormuth, visited with leadership, Soldiers and families from JRTC and Fort Polk, April 25-26.
During the visit the
@USArmy
’s top civilian toured the barracks and met with Army Families. She reinforced the Army’s commitment to making serious
3 Oct 1993-3 Oct 2023
Today we paused to recognize not just these two great Americans, along with their comrades who gave their last full measure that day, but the contribution their namesake has made over the past 27 years at JRTC and Fort Johnson to prepare America’s men and
Days like today remind us why JRTC and Fort Polk is a great place to train, live, deploy from, and come home to!
We were honored to serve as grand marshals in the Mardi Gras Parade!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
#MardiGras2023
#community
@FORSCOM
@vernon_chamber
This morning, JRTC and Fort Polk leadership and the local communities participated in
#WreathsAcrossAmerica2021
at the Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
Remember the Fallen…Honor those who serve…Teach our children the value of Freedom.
#LiveTheirLegacy2021
#WeRemember