Black World War I Hero Honored at Arlington

Herman Johnson always believed that his father, a heroic black World War I soldier who single-handedly fended off a German attack, lay in a pauper’s grave unrecognized by the government.

On Thursday, the 85-year-old Johnson saw the newly discovered grave at Arlington National Ceremony where Henry Johnson was buried more than 70 years ago--with full military honors.

With New York Gov. George Pataki at his side, an emotional Herman Johnson placed a wreath of chrysanthemums and carnations beside his father’s white headstone as a military bugler played taps.

“I’m extremely happy to know that my father is in a respectable grave,” Herman Johnson said.