William E. Johnson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Unit Info: 125th Field Artillery
JOHNSON, William E. (Emil?)
William E. Johnson was born on April 1st 1898 to Emil & Marie Johnson. A true patriot, William served his country in three conflicts; WWI, WWII, and the Korean War.
William began his military service as a Private with the 125th Field Artillery based in the Armory in Duluth, Minnesota. He enlisted on July 15th 1917 when he was 19 years old. He was assigned Company 'B' and was assigned to Camp Cody, New Mexico for military training.
On June 28th 1918, William had his company boarded the SS Justicia out of Hoboken, New Jersey for Ireland. The Justicia was sunk that next month by German submarines. After arriving in Ireland "B" Company initially served in France during WWI. He was discharged on August 28th 1919.
Throughout the 1920's and 1930's he continued to serve his country with the Minnesota Army National Guard. During this time he married Alice Mildred [Walin] on February 2nd 1925 and they started a family.
On February 10th 1941, PVT Johnson again left with the 125th F.A. as part of the Italian Campaign. During WWII he was stationed in Ireland, northern Africa, and then ultimately the length of Italy; from botton to top. The 125th F.A. is featured in the Veterans Memorial Hall traveling exhibit, '500 Days'. William was discharged on February 28th 1946.
During Peacetime William again was with the National Guard leader in Duluth from 1945 to 1950. During that time he served in Georgia and Chicago.
Now Colonel William E. Johnson, he was called back again to active service on August 14th 1950 during the Korean War. After that he served as the Adjutant General at Missawa Air Base in Japan. After that assignment he was the Adjutant General at Camp Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado; retiring from almost 50 years of military service on April 30th 1957. His long and dedicated service reflects a deep commitment to his country across multiple generations of warfare.
COL William E. Johnson died on February 26th 1963 while helping fight a house fire. He was 64 years of age. He is buried at the Park Hill Cemetery in Duluth, Minnesota
Source(s):
Albert J. Amatuzio Research Center
https://vets-hall.org/stories/world-war-ii/william-e-johnson
COL William E Johnson (1898-1963) - Find a Grave Memorial
Page 772 - US, Army WWI Transport Service, Passenger Lists, 1918-1919 - Fold3
