Jesse Johnson

ASN: 6283333

Photo Gallery

(slideshow, side controls to next image)

Sgt. Jesse Johnson (center) training - Camp Claiborne- 1942

Jesse Johnson (standing center) - North Africa - 1943

Capt. Frantz Johnson (L-R) and Jesse Johnson - North Africa - 1943

First Sgt. Jesse Johnson (center top) training in Wales - 1944

T/Sgt. Jesse Johnson, Naples, Italy - 1943

T/Sgt Jesse Johnson - Battle of the Bulge - Snowy foxhole

Firing M1 Carbine

Jesse Johnson (L-R), Roland Gruebling, Steve Pongracic - The Ardennes - 1945

Jesse Johnson (L-R), Albert Raimo - 1944

A-Battery basketball team - Jesse Johnson kneeling 2nd from right next to William Bonnamy (end)

Holland - 1944 - Jesse Johnson standing far right

Germany - 1945 - Jesse Johnson seated

Jesse Holman (L-R) and Jesse Johnson - Suippes, France - 1944

Jesse Johnson standing 2nd from left - Germany - 1945

Jesse Johnson receiving award for meritorious service - 1953

First Sgt. Jesse Johnson (standing) - The Ardennes - 1945

Frank Marshall (L-R), Jesse Johnson, Albert Raimo - "Toasting orders for stateside service" - May 1945

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Provenza, Joseph Covais, author of BATTERY, the John Connelly family and the Steve Pongracic family

BRONZE STAR AND CITATION PRESENTED SERGEANT JOHNSON

According to The Paraglide, the official publication of the Eighty-Second Airborne Division, 1st Sgt. Jesse E. Johnson was signally honored in a belated presentation last week, the Bronze Star for meritorious service being awarded him. The presentation was made by Major General James M. Gavin, commanding officer of the division which is stationed at Fort Bragg.

Below is given the citation for the bronze star medal which was read by the officer presenting the star to Sergeant Johnson. The article in the Paraglides states:

“Sgt. Johnson is a native of Natchitoches, La., but his first enlistment was at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in 1940. Before he joined the airborne he served with the 2nd and 9th Infantry divisions, putting in part of his time with the 9th here at Fort Bragg. He went to Camp Claiborne, La., as cadre when the 319th was first being formed and so was with the 82nd Division when it became ‘Airborne.’ Missing only the Sicily Campaign, Sgt. Johnson served straight through with the division until he reached Ludwigslust, Germany, after V-E Day. He had more than enough points for his discharge so he took off for the States.” (See 82nd Airborne Map of Operations)

“But now Sgt. Johnson is back in the airborne again and is planning to follow his original intention of making the Army his career. As he puts, I can say with pride, that I served with the 82nd Airborne overseas and I intend to stay in the 82nd as long as I can.”

Sgt. Johnson’s family make their home with his mother on Second Street. They are, along with all Natchitochians, justly proud of the record he has made and of the recognition he has received. Below is a copy of the citation presented Sgt. Johnson with the Bronze Star:

Headquarters 82nd Airborne Division Office of the Division Commander

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Citation For Bronze Star Medal BSM, GO 21, 1946

First Sergeant Jesse E. Johnson, 6283333, Field Artillery, United States Army, for meritorious service in action against the enemy in Normandy as a member of Battery “A,” 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, from 6 June, 1944, to 10 July 1944. Sergeant Johnson accepted and performed in an outstanding manner additional duties as Battery Executive Officer of his organization when casualties caused a serious shortage of officers. His complete devotion to duty and extraordinary judgment and ability greatly aided his unit in the accomplishment of its missions during the Normandy campaign. His actions under extremely adverse conditions were in accordance with the highest standards of the Military.

STL Archive Records

Jesse Johnson, 76, died May 21, 1993. God bless this hero.