“There’s Gold in Them Thar Archives!” The World War I Diary of Albert S. Johnson: Part 2

The purpose of The Compass Rose is to raise awareness of Special Collections' resources and to foster the use of these resources. The blog series also reports significant new programs, initiatives, and acquisitions of Special Collections. 

This month, in honor of Veterans Day, we feature the second installment of a series on the World War I diary of Albert S. Johnson (see part one).

Johnson, from Corsicana, Texas, was a young lieutenant serving in the 345^th Machine Gun Battalion of the 90^th Infantry Division when he wrote the diary.

The diary was written in two pocket-sized volumes: the first volume, which was chronicled in the first installment of this series, followed Johnson from his entry into active service in August 1917 to the Armistice of November 11, 1918, which ended the war, during which time he saw combat on the front lines, barely escaping death on several occasions.

In this second installment of the Johnson diaries, we follow Johnson as he continues his service with the US Army of Occupation immediately following the Armistice on November 12^th, 1918.  As part of the Army of Occupation, Johnson was stationed in Germany, and later was transferred to the UK, where he attended lectures at Trinity College in Cambridge University before finally returning home to Texas. (1)

This period, while less dramatic than the war itself, nevertheless offers readers a fascinating look into the life of a young veteran as he navigates his way through the post-war period.  Part tour guide and part travelogue, with shades of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway thrown in, we see glimpses through the eyes of this young Texan of what would later be known as “the Lost Generation”, the generation that lived through the horrors of the First World War and later came of age during the Roaring ‘20s. 

Some selected excerpts from the second volume of Johnson’s diaries follow:

“Nov. 12, 1918. Company with 2^nd Bn. Moved to Villefrance [sic]. 9 men were wounded by accidental explosion of grenade. Buell, Smith [2^nd Lt. Ralph H. Buell of Company C and probably 1^st Lt. George H. Smith, also of Co. C of the 345^th] & I have a room together. (2) 

“Nov. 14, 1918. Co[mpany] took part in Memorial service of 360 Inf[antry Regiment] for comrades killed in action . . .  

“Nov. 19, 1918. Smith and I left Co. for 3^rd Corps Machine Gun School . . .  We caught truck for Dun-sur-Meuse and there were put in box car. About 3 P.M. train left for Verdun. The road-bed was very rough and we only made from 5 to 10 miles per hour-that is while we were running for we side-tracked every few minutes. Finally the engine stalled and we spent night sitting jammed up in car. Weather very cold and we nearly froze.

“Nov. 20, 1918. Smith, myself and 2 other officers walked in to Verdun- about 6 miles. We ate lunch in restaurant in famous underground city built by Napoleon. Left Verdun at 3 P.M. on narrow-gauge passenger train and reached Bar-Le-Duc about 7 P.M. Here we left Sgt Duran and luggage with Lt Knapp and took trains for Paris at 9 P.M.

“Nov. 21, 1918. Reached Paris at 7 P.M. and engaged rooms at Hotel Haussmann . . . Spent morning in shopping and seeing sights of city . . .  In the evening we went to the “Folies Bergerie” [Folies Bergère] which is one of the best musical comedies I have seen in years. (3)

“Nov. 23 1918.  Left Paris at 1 P.M. on Paris, Lyon & Nice Ry., and reached Clamecy at 11 P.M. Here we were “met” by School officers who registered us and led us to an old flour mill which was to be our quarters. As we had no blankets or bunks Smith and I spent night with “M.Ps” [Military Police] in their quarters. Certainly was a rotten reception and we all appreciated (?) it. 

“. . . Saturday, Nov. 30, 1918. School is very “sad” as also are the instructors with a few exceptions . . .  

“[Thursday], Dec. 5, 191[8]. Officers gave show at town hall . . .  Pretty rotten music but we enjoyed it immensely. School is about as slow and dull as it was in beginning. However we get some fun out of firing Browning M.G. [machine guns] on the range everyday . . . 

“Sunday, Dec. [8]. Went to Football game between two N.C.O. [Non-Commissioned Officer] teams. Field was too muddy for fast work, but game was fairly good notwithstanding.

“Saturday, Dec. 14. Took final exams on M.G. Course. Have not studied five minutes but think I passed O.K. . . . 

“Sunday, Dec. 22. Pat Edwards, Flop Lingle [probably 1^st Lt. Charles P. Lingle, Co. H, 360^th Infantry Regiment] Smith and I left Clamecy in Caboose of Red Cross Train with orders to return to our organizations . . . 

“Monday, Dec. 23.  Got up at 3:30 A.M. and rushed to station half dressed but found our train was also late. It soon came very crowded and we had to stand up in passage way. Leaving Paris about 9 A.M. we secured room at Hotel Le’ [illegible] . . .  Morning and afternoon spent in sight seeing and shopping. Went to Brentano’s to purchase some books. While reading I happened to glance up and was very much surprised to see President Wilson standing by my side.

“People in the store upon recognizing the President cheered him and began to crowd around to get a closer view of the Greatest Man in the World. The President soon left the store, entered a Taxi and drove away from fast gathering crowd . . . .

“Tuesday, Dec. 24, 1918. Christmas Eve started with a cold, drizzling rain falling and a sinking Thermometer. Pat, Flop & I went on Y.M.C.A. Sightseeing tour in Taxis. The Tower de Vendome was first stop. This bronze was erected in 1836 from guns captured in Napoleonic Wars. On top is statue of Napoleon holding world in his hand. The statue stands in the Place de [la] Concorde over the spot where Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and hundreds of others were guillotined by Revolutionist[s]. Around this square are over a thousand guns taken from German’s during this war. We next visited the Arch de Triumph, erected by Napoleon in commemoration of his victories. This is an enormous arch with wonderful sculpturery [sic] on its walls.

“The Trocadero is a palace which has been used as a museum since Paris Exposition. One room contains Plaster casts of famous works of sculpture of Cathedral of France. Here I saw statues of Voltaire, Louis XVI, Charlemagne, [John] Paul Jones, [Benjamin] Franklin and many other famous characters. (4) 

In rear of Trocadero is the Eiffel Tower, the tallest structure in the world. It rises 1000 ft above the surface and the foundation is 300 ft underground. About 1/3 of distance up there is a theatre seating 500 persons. Still higher is large restaurant and at top is floor with observatories and curio shops on it.

“After leaving Eiffel Tower we passed by hotel which was erected by optimistic Germans to be Kaiser’s Palace when he should enter Paris. (5)

The next stop was in front of the Grande Palace which is famous for its architecture. Across the street is the Petit Palace which is used as art museum. At the crossing of the Seine by this Avenue is the Alexandre III Bridge, which is best known of the 42 bridges across this river. The corner stone was layed [sic] by Alexandre III  while he was in Paris negotiating an enormous war loan. (6)

We then proceeded to the “University of Paris”, where we inspected the famous paintings and the enormous lecture hall. 

“The Palace of Justice with its smart, brass-buttoned gendarmes on guard and its black robed and white wigged Judges & advocates was our next stop. As was fitting it was here in Halls of Justice that we paid our guide & Taxi driver.

“The tour was finished by a visit to the Cathedral where the “Big Bertha” shell killed and wounded over 200 persons during a good Friday service.  The large, jagged hole still remains where the huge projectile ploughed its way into building after its 75 mile trip from near Arras in “Hun land”. An eloquent spokesman of “German Kultur”! (7)

“. . .  .After lunch at “Y,” I went with a lieutenant by subway to “Hotel des Invalides”. Entering the gateway into the courtyard of the hospital proper we were greeted by an array of every conceivable type of artillery. These guns were captured from Germans, as also were the several types of Zepplines [Zeppelins] and half destroyed aeroplanes among them. After inspecting these weapons we went into Cathedral which is very beautiful and contains many valuable relics of the Napoleonic Period of French history. Among these was a crown of gold acanthis [acanthus] leaves presented to Napoleon I by City of Cherbourg. We then went through Museum of Arms & Armor, seeing among other armors, the gold saddles presented to Napoleon on his journey to Egypt . . Next we went into vast hall that contains vault in which the Great Emperor was buried. 

“We finished the afternoon’s trip by visiting the Pantheon Painting, which is a gigantic painting of the nations, soldiers and statesmen of the war with a panoramic view of entire battle field as a background. There are over 5000 individuals in the picture. After spending 2 hours trying to see the most important details I took subway back to Place L’Opera. After Xmas Eve Dinner at Hotel Richmond we went to Musical Comedy “Folies-Bergerie” [sic] . . .  

“Christmas, Wednesday, Dec 25. We left Paris at 8 A.M. for Veirzon where we arrived at 1 P.M. and caught crowded “frog” [a then popular nickname for the French] train for St. Aignon at 2. We reached St. A about 4 P.M. to find that we could not secure our baggage and that if we were found in town we would be restricted there until orders came sending us to Division. So we lost no time and caught 9 P.M. local back to Veirzon  Here we transferred to “American Special” bound for Chaumont . . .  We were about broke and have no idea when we can get to our Division.

“Thursday, Dec 26. Weather is very cold and ground is covered with snow . . . Arrived at Chaumont, “A.E.F Hq.” [Headquarters of the American Expeditionary Force] at 5 P.M. and spent night at Y.M.C.A. Hotel . . . 

(From there, Johnson was posted to the US Army of Occupation, then stationed in Germany)

“Wednesday, Jan 1^st [1919].  Smith and I reached our company at Filzen Germany . . .  Smith and I are billeted with the Priest of the village and have very comfortable quarters.

“ . . . Jan. 3, Friday.  Chaplain McMurray, Lt. Auchterlonie [1^st Lt. Alexander J. Auchterlonie, Co. B of the 345^th] and myself are studying German with Priest every afternoon. (8)

“. . . Wednesday Jan 8.  Left at 5:30 A.M. for Trier where I am to attend a Corps Liaison School at 88^th Aero Squadron. They seem to be a fine bunch of officers and are doing their best to  show us a good time.  General Hahn, 7^th Corps  Commander inspected us and raised the devil in general over the lukewarm reception he received. Two planes collided on field and were nearly demolished but only 1 man was hurt. (9)

“One of 89 Div [89^th Infantry Division] officers attending this school blew his brains out in our quarters about 5 P.M.  . . .  P.S. Services were held for Pres. Roosevelt, who died Jan. 5. (10)

“Wednesday Jan 15. Upon reporting back for duty I was made Bn. [Battalion] Athletic Officer, & Counter-espionage Officer.  Went to Berncastel [Bernkastel-Kues, a town in the Rhineland-Palatinate district of Germany] to get athletic equipment. 

“Monday, Jan 20. Co “D” won Bn Track Meet by margin of 1 point, which “C” was robbed of. [Feltenberger?] & I nearly had trouble over the affair. The entire afternoons are being devoted to athletics.

“Tuesday, Jan 21.  As Cos B&C are having considerable trouble and a member of “rough houses” we held boxing match between them in which “C” won majority of bouts . . .

“Wednesday Jan 22. Started Company football practice. Very few know the game but they are husky and eager so I have hopes . . .

“Sunday, Jan 26. Had long talk with Priest Ebert [Ebert was the priest with whom Johnson and Smith were billeted] about Germany. He claims that England started war because of commercial jealousy-so all Germans naturally would. He sends us in a pitcher of hot spiced wine & some cakes every night. It is quite popular with Buell. About 6 inches snow have been on ground most of week, and men have been doing lots of snowballing. 

“Tuesday, Jan 28.  . . . Life is getting to be dull here and my feet are hurting considerably. Smith has an awful grouch on. 

“Thursday, [Jan] 30.  Fired a barrage with M.G’s although snow is about 8” deep. We fire with either M.G’s or revolver every other day. Men are becoming discontented and many get drunk every night & try to clean up the village. It’s keeping Auchterlonie, Smith & myself busy trying to handle situation . . . 

“Saturday Feb ____.  Buell, Egan & I went to Trier in afternoon. Had very dull time as Germans have been prohibited to sell us food, etc.

“Friday Feb  “D” beat “C” in F.B. game 14 to 0. They scored both times in 1^st qt [quarter] on forward passes. Rest of game was scoreless & exceedingly hard fought. Playing was rough on both sides & several men were layed [sic] out of game. Sgt Hopkins had his nose cut so badly that he had to go out in first quarter for rest of game. 

“Sunday, Mar 2, 1919.  Received my orders today to leave for England to attend a British University. Told everybody goodbye and left with Sgts Taylor & Walker . . .  

“. . .  Wednesday Mar 5, 1919  After an all night ride sitting up on train we reached Paris and were soon comfortably lodged in Hotel De louvre, the Red Cross Inn . . .  In the evening we went to Maxims and the Casino. 

“Thursday, Mar 6, 1919.  . . . left for Le Havre at 7:30 A.M. spent a very pleasant time on train as there was a diner attached. Arrived in Le Havre at 1 P.M., transferred my baggage to dock and went aboard the “[space left blank]”. There were about 200 officers in a very small saloon, which made things very uncomfortable. We left the Harbor about dark, hitting a rough sea, which soon had me leaning over the rail. As there were no bunks we layed [sic] on deck with only our trench coats as protection and tried our best to catch some sleep.

“Friday, March 7, 1919.  As our ship steamed up the bay into Southhampton [Southampton, England] about 9 A.M., I thought of the many experiences I have had since I last saw Southhampton June 30, 1918. . .  Southhampton is one of Englands oldest towns and ports, being situated on Southhampton bay which opens into the English Channel. It has a population of 125,000, and is only 78 miles from London. Like all seaports the streets are crowded with sailors of many nations including many Yankee Tars.  (11)

There are several beautiful parks, and many interesting monuments, including the “Titanic Monument” erected to the crew of that ill-fated liner who stayed at their posts until death claimed them. There is also a monument in commemoration of the Pilgrim[s] who sailed from Southhampton in the Mayflower on their eventful voyage to America.

“We went to a movie in afternoon, seeing a Keystone comedy, and a Douglas Fairbanks Feature. Certainly is great to see a “Good Gulf” movie again . . . (12)

“Saturday, March 8, 1919. We left Southhampton on a special train at 11 A.M., passing through Leicester, Manchester, Nottingham & Sheffield, and arriving in Liverpool at Knotty Ash Rest Camp at 8 P.M.  . . .

“. . . Mar 11, 1919. Met Mr. Caswell of Austin, Texas, who is here in interest of his cattle business. We certainly are glad to see someone from home . . .  went to see the comedy “The Naughty Wife” at the Grand Theatre. Was real good show.

“. . . Monday, Mar 12. Left Liverpool from Brood Green Station at 8:30 P.M. on special train with students for Oxford and Cambridge. There was no heat on train and we nearly froze during night. Reaching Cambridge at 4 A.M. we were told to stay on train until morning, but four of us slipped up town and secured a room at University Arms Hotel.

“Tuesday, Mar 18. Major McNamara & I were assigned a suit[e] of 3 rooms at Mrs. Moden’s, 27 Trinity St. and to Trinity College for our meals. Trinity is one of the 18 colleges comprising Cambridge University. It is one of oldest and best know[n] colleges in the University, having been founded by Henry VIII . . .  its alumni includes Lord Byron, Sir Isaac Newton, Wordsworth, Lord Tennyson,  . . 

“We went to our first meal in the Dining Hall at Dinner. Everything is very stiff and formal here, the Grace being asked in Latin. There are several hundred Naval Cadets attending Cambridge and a large number are in Trinity.

“Thur, Mar 20, ’19. Lectures started in the Law Department this morning. I am taking Torts under Dr Carr, Equity under Dr. Hazeltine, Roman Law under Prof. Buckland, and Criminal Law under Prof Kenny. The law lectures are being given in the University Law Building. (13)

“Friday, Mar 21, ’19. Major & I went over to see Hart who is living in Queen’s College. In evening we went to English students rooms for coffee. Everybody- men, women & children- seem to have a bicycle or a motorcycle here and as the streets are very narrow and corners 18very sharp it is no easy matter to avoid a collision.

“. . . Friday, Mar 28. Pro[fessor] Kenny gave the American Students a lecture on “The Elements of Crime”. He is England’s greatest authority on Criminal Law and is certainly an interesting lecturer. (14)

“Monday, Mar 31. We had another lecture by Prof Kenny, this time on “The Problem of Punishment.” It was even better than his first one.

“Tuesday April 1.  Sir & Lady Thomson entertained Americans in Trinity with a Tea at the Master’s Lodge. Sir Thomson is Master of Trinity  and is one of worlds greatest scientist[s]. Lady Thomson conducted us through the Lodge showing the many paintings by [Romney?], Van Dyke, Rembrant [Rembrandt], and other notable artists. We also saw the King’s rooms [which] His Majesty uses when in Cambridge. They [are] also only used by the Royalty and are wonderfully furnished. During Tea I had quite a talk with Dr Thomson about Texas, the culture of Tobacco & Cotton. (15)

“Wednesday, April 1. Attended a lecture by Lord Charnwood on the Relation of Great Britain and the USA. 

“His references to the American Revolution were not very tactful and his whole speech seemed to be a defense of Great Britain . . .  (16)

“Thursday, April 2. Mrs. Hazeltine & Lady Darwin took a party of our officers to Ely to see the famous Cathedral. The church ranks among the greatest works of architecture in the world. It was started in fifth century by Normans [sic; the Normans were not in England until the 11^th Century] and has been altered and added to ever since so every type of architecture and decoration is illustrated by some portion of the building.

“We also saw Oliver Cromwell’s home and the park where his “Ironsides” were trained. We had tea with the Bishop of Ely and then returned to Cambridge. 

“After dinner I was invited to a smoker given by Lieut  . . . of British Navy. There was a fine bunch present and we had a good party.

“. . . Sunday, April 6. Had Tea with Prof Buckland at his home on Grange Road. met his wife, daughter, and 3 year old grandson. They are delightful people, and I had very pleasant time . . . 

“Monday, April 7. Attended meeting of Amer. Law Club at Combination rooms, Downing College. The club was the guest of Prof Hazeltine & Kenny for Tea. Afterwards Prof Kenny read a paper on the “Elizabeth Canning Case”, which is probably Englands greatest mystery case.

I was given an autographed copy of his book on the history of the case. It was certainly and able and interesting lecture. (17)

“Tuesday, April 8. Huck and I left for London on noon train. We got rooms at Palace Hotel (Y.M.C.A.), and there saw Scott & Capt Johnson. We all went to American War Anniversary at Connaught Rooms. We were seated by Colleges and had lots of fun giving college yells & songs. We got away with “Longhorn” . . . and “The Eyes of Texas” in great style. 

The principle [sic] speakers were Lord Chancellor Birkenhead, Lord Bryce, and Ambassador Davis. 

“I liked Mr Davis’s speech particularly and believe The President has appointed an able representative to England. (18)

“Friday April 10. [April 10, 1919 actually was on a Thursday] Secured rooms for next term and packed up early in morning. We left for London at noon, and upon arrival

secured rooms at Palace Hotel. In Evening Huck, Major, and I went to “Hullo America”, a musical comedy at the [space left blank] featuring Elsie Janis, Billy West and Maurice [Chevalier]. It was an exceptionally “peppy” show and we enjoyed every minute of it . . . 

“. . . Monday, April 14. Spent day shopping and seeing the city. Got a real American “Egg Malted Milk” and “Banana Split” at Selfridge Department Store. Had tea at Regent Hotel, where had interesting talk with an American woman who has lived here for 23 years, but still calls New York home . . .  

“Tuesday, April 15. . . . Stopped by Selfridge’s for another “Egg Malted”. Huck and I attended “House of Commons” and heard a debate on “The Alien Enemy Bill”. Had little opportunity to learn much of procedure or character of members I believe, however, that the business is conducted with more dignity and order than our own House of Rep[resentatives], yet I did not think the speeches were a bit more imperious than those usually made by the average American Congressman. (19)

“Wednesday April 16. Went alone to see St. Paul’s Cathedral. Designed by Wren it is one of finest existing examples of Italian architecture, being constructed costing over 5 millions, in the form of a latin cross. The length east to west is 500 ft, width at trancepts [sic] 250 ft and height of cross is 365 ft. There are memorials to Nelson, Wellington, Sir John Moore, General Gordon, & Sir Joshua Reynolds, and many other national celebrities. In the Crypt rest the bodies of Nelson & Wellington below their stately sarcophagus, and many other famous men in less pretentious tombs. Lord Kitchener & General French are buried in same niches. In one end of crypt stands the funeral car of Lord Wellington, an enormous massive carriage of solid iron, resting on six wheels. . . .  In afternoon Huck and I went to London Bridge from there obtaining good view down the River Thames of the ships & docks wherein rest most of Englands wealth & power. We next climbed up the “Monument”, a Doric Column rising 200 ft from its base. This is another piece of Wren’s work, and there are as many steps inside leading to summit as there are days in the year.

“In the evening Huck & I went out with the Bolzer’s to a party . . .   There I met . . .  a beauty who has made quite a reputation in Drama, having played before the Kaiser, the King of England, etc,  [Mrs. Lucie Lille] and her daughter Muriel. They are both talented musicians. Her other daughter is now featuring in “Oh Joy!”, a musical at the “Appollo”, [Apollo] Miss [Beatrice Lille] who is quite an artist. We had a merry party and I certainly enjoyed the evening. (20)

“Thursday, April 17.  . . .  visited the British Museum, spending a couple of hours seeing many objects of historic interest. A year could be used, however, with profit in a study of the Museum. Saw statues of Greek & Egyptian workmanship that are over 4000 years old. Also saw original Magna Charter [Magna Carta], Letters from George Washington, Ben Franklin, Oliver Cromwell, Lord Nelson & Wellington, etc., and the famous Rosetti [Rosetta] Stone. 

“In the evening went to see “Oh Joy!” at the Appollo, and especially to watch Beatrice Lillie in the leading part. She is wonderful actress, and has great personality. Saw Miss Lillie after show.

“Friday, April 18. Huck & I went out to see London Tower, & London Bridge. The Tower was closed because of being “Good Friday”, but had interesting ride on top of bus. In afternoon I had Tea at Piccadilly Restaurant with South African Officer. In evening Huck & I went to dance at Mrs Lillies. Mr & Mrs Bolzer, Billy Leonard who is leading man in “Oh Joy!”, his brother a Canadian officer, Two English officers, one of who is in charge of “Restors”, an American officer, Muriel Lillie, Beatrice Lillie, several girls from show companies. We had lots of fun even if Huck & I did have to walk most of way home.

“. . . Monday, April 21, ‘19.  Huck and I left at 10 A.M. for Stratford-On-Avon.

We changed trains and had lunch at Paddington, reaching Stratford about 1 P.M. We secured directions at Y.M.C.A., and visited first Trinity Church where Shakespear was baptized. We then walked over to the Memorial Theatre which is located on bank of Avon. The river was covered with boats and launches, and the beautiful park adjoining the Theatre was filled with a holiday crowd which included many loving couples We hired a punt and paddled about for an hour.

Next we visited the Tudor House & the John Harvard House on High St, and then went to Shakespeare’s home, which is a humble cottage on Henley St. Was impressed with fact that over 42000 people visit this house every year and as high as 1500 have come in one day to view this cottage which aside from its association is of no especial interest and not to be distinguished from those of others. Certainly the old maxim that “Civilization will beat a path through a wilderness to pay homage to genius” is here very applicable . . .

“. . . Tuesday, May 6. Changed into summer underwear. Went to lecture on [“]International Law”. Major & I attended meeting of “Cambridge Union Society” and heard debate on “Resolved that the Kaiser should not be hanged and Germany should not be made to pay”. The Society is an imitation of the National Parliament even to the interior of the hall, the arrangements of seats, the voting, the discussion and rules. The Speakers & audience were more dignified that [sic] U.S. College Debating Society, but the speakers were not as effective and logical as our average debate. The Society voted not to hang the Kaiser.

“. . . Friday, May 9. Prof Oppenheim gave his first lecture on the “League of Nations” this morning. Room was crowded, many ladies being present. (21) 

“Sunday, May 11. In the morning I walked over to village of Grantchester which is about 2 miles from Cambridge. It is a very quaint and old fashioned place, many houses being several hundred years old, and nearly all having thatched roofs. The ruins of a Roman camp still remain as a reminder of Caesar’s invasion.  Byron’s pool is just outside of the village and is connected with the Cam River. Rupert Brooke, England’s great soldier-poet who was killed in 1916, spent a good deal of his time here.

“. . . Tuesday, May 13.  . . . Went around to Apollo Theatre just before matinee ended to see Beatrice Lillie. Mrs. Lillie and two Danish girls dropped in about the same time so we all went out to Lillies for Tea, and had some music and dancing. Took Beatrice back to show and then Muriel and I went to a restaurant on soho for dinner. Lost my money sometime during day and would have been in bad fix if I hadn’t run across Mark McGee, who came to my aid.

“Wednesday, May 14. Spent morning riding and walking around Oxford Ave, Piccadilly, Regent St, etc., stopping in Selfridge for a Banana Split. Came home on 2 P.M. train. Met Capt ____ of Royal Guards Reg. who had spent 7 years in Texas near Amarillo. We talked about Joe Bailey, Roosevelt, etc. (22)

“Thursday, May 15. Major & I rented a skiff and rowed up the Cam for a few miles. River was full of boats and swimmers so we had a hard time avoiding collisions . . . 

“ . . . Saturday, May 17. Took a boxing lesson . . .  and am pretty sore and stiff as a result. Cambridge beat Dublin U. 8-7 baseball. Huck nearly had a fight.

“. . . Monday, May 19. Had a second boxing lesson. Guess I will learn to box alright- if I don’t get my head knocked off. The Instructor isn’t a bit backward about hitting. Went to show “Five Nights”. It is rotten.

“Tuesday, May 20. Went out to Prof Oppenheims home and had long talk with him about L. of N. [League of Nations]. Boxed in afternoon . . .

“. . . Sunday, May 25. Was invited over to coffee in his rooms by Lord Haldane’s nephew. He is very agreeable fellow and not a bit snobbish. Went canoeing and incidentally was drenched by sudden rain shower. American troops are not going to be sent home until Germans sign peace is the latest news. There is considerable doubt as to whether they will sign or not. (23)

“. . . Tuesday, May 27.  Lt. Boyd and I went out to Hendon to the Graham[e]-White Aviation Field. We each took a flight with the pilot, a R.A.F. Captain.  Was great sport, and very interesting to look at London & River Thames down below us. Went to Selfridges for an egg malted milk. 

“. . . Thursday, May 29. Attended banquet of British Naval and Amer. Army officers. Both the food & the wine were excellent and it was a very congenial crowd. Commander O’Neill (R.N.) made the Toast to the American Army, and I replied on behalf of the Americans. Major Dawes (Amer A.) then made a toast to the British Navy and Lt ____ responded. Major ____ (U.S.A.) was called on for extemporanious [sic] speech and made quite a bit with his jokes. Lt. Hay (R.N.) made the final speech. 

“A jazz orchestry of Amer & British furnished us with music. Proctors broke the party up at 11:30 P.M.

“. . .  Monday, June 2. Caught early morning train to London and got room at Regent. In evening I sat in Coffee room at Regent until bedtime. Met a Capt. Smith of British Army. He has lived in India and fought in Mesopotamia so was very interesting talker.  He intends to go out to South America soon.    

“. . .  Monday, June 16. . . . Attended the Dinner given to Americans by Master and Fellows of Trinity College. The menu  was excellent and speeches were made by The Master and Major. After the Dinner the party adjourned to the Fellow’s Garden then we talked and smoked until nearly midnight. Certainly did enjoy the whole party.

“. . . Sunday, June 22. Major & I went over to Cooper’s for tea and told them goodbye. Huns sank their ships in Scapa Flow. (24)

(As the term neared its end at Cambridge, Johnson finally received orders sending him home)

“. . . Thursday, June 24. . . . We left house about 7:30 A.M. and left Cambridge at 10 A.M.  after tiresome and very slow trip we reached Liverpool at 5 P.M. A British band met us and we paraded to dock. We were jammed below decks on the “City of Louisiana” and spent a miserable night trying to sleep on bunk without any blankets, etc. nearly a year ago I marched into Liverpool behind a band amid the wild cheering of the inhabitants. The circumstances are certainly different this time, however.

“Wednesday, June 25. Our boat has not finished coaling so we haven’t moved an inch yet. We are awfully crowded and you have to wait a half hour to get a chance to wash. There are about 100 English girls aboard who have married Americans and are going over to USA . . .  Quite a number of wounded Yanks from Russia are also aboard . . . Huns have agreed to sign armistice. (25)

“ . . Saturday, June 28. We are in harbor of Brest this morning anchored near “Leviathan”, “George Washington”, “Mount Vernon”, and several war ships. We were taken ashore in a lighter and hauled out to Camp Pontanezen in trucks . . . Peace was signed this afternoon and all Brest is celebrating. American Tars & doughboys, Frog sailors and Pouilous  and civilians are nearly all drunk. Parade after parade passes down the narrow city streets, and USA French flags are carried by celebrators. Saw number of free-for-all fights.

“Sunday, June 29.  , , ,  Saw big riot that developed between US soldiers & Frogs. Many shots were fired and several people were injured. American Marines & French Cavalry finally stopped the fighting. Pres. Wilson left Brest on to Washington.

“Monday, June 30. All Americans are confined to camp so I spent day reading in my tent. Rain has been falling all day.

“Tuesday, July 1^st. Read most of day as we are still confined to camp. Chow is good and camp accommodations are fine as I am not worried over delay in getting away.

“. . . Thursday, July 3. Got orders to sail on the “Cap Finisterre” and left Camp Pontanezen at 10 A.M. in trucks with about a thousand other officers. We were loaded on a lighter and steamed out to the troop ship. Arriving aboard the “Finisterre” we were put down in “steerage” deck and stacked in bunks five deep. Certain[ly] are in a dirty place and crowded so there is hardly a place to sit. There are about 400 women aboard- red cross nurses, “Y” girls, and French brides, but they are up on top deck where we are not allowed to go. 

“We had an awful scramble for blankets and mess kits, and had just finished when we had to line up for chow just like we were bucks. Some trip ahead of us, I guess. We steamed out of the harbor about 5 P.M. and had our last view of the French coast about 7 P.M. . . . 

“Friday, July 4^th. We spent the Fourth in a very commonplace way, reading, or cussing the army most of the time. In the evening we all gather on the aft deck to sing some parodies against the field officers. . . . In evening we received wireless of Dempsey’s victory over Willard. (26)

“. . . Monday July 7. Heavy head wind has been blowing since yesterday afternoon and sea is getting choppy. Lieutenants were allowed on upper deck from 2-4 P.M. which was quite a change from steerage deck where we are so badly crowded. Heard lecture by Dr. [Halcans?] on “The Problem of The Far East”. He discussed work of U.S.A. in China, Corea [sic], and Hawaii, and also our rivalry with Japan.

“. . . Wednesday, July 9. Wind began blowing hard in morning and by noon we were having regular gale. Many of the waves broke over the deck and one came into mess hall, drenching a crowd of poker players. Heard lecture by Dr Bell on “The Merchant Marine”. About 5 P.M. storm grew worse and many of men were sick and hanging on the rail . . . 

“July 12, ’19. Captains & Lts were given cabaret dinner in 1^st class Dining hall by Y & Red Cross girls. Passengers furnished the music and entertainment and several “Louies” [slang for lieutenants] raised a Red Flag and sang “Onward Bolsheviks” . . . 

“Sunday, July 13, ’19. Woke up about 5 A.M. to find our ship coming into New York harbor. Everybody crowded over to the rail to see the “Statue of Liberty”.  As we slowly moved past it no[t] a sound was heard- everybody was too busy thinking to say much. Home again after exactly 13 months absence. The Mayor’s boat came out to meet us with a band playing. We docked next to the “Leviathian” [sic] & “George Washington.” Huck & I rushed to the Hotel Pennsylvania for a room and then spent an hour in barbershop having the rough edges taken off us. After a lunch that included watermelon Huck & I went to Polo Grounds and saw Giants beat Pittsburg 8-2 . . . took a walk up Broadway and believe me the thousand lights of Broadway looked good to us.

“. . . Tuesday, July 15, ’19. Went back to Hoboken in effort to find my locker but didn’t have any luck. In afternoon I visited Wall Street, Broad St and Stock Exchange. Saw a street fight over “League of Nations” speech. Went to top of Woolworth Bldg and got good view of city.

In evening Capt Negley, Lt Burleson, Huck & I went to “Midnight Frolics” on roof of Amsterdam Theatre . . .  party was fairly dull as lemonade was strongest thing we could buy [a reference here to Prohibition, which had recently been established in the US through the passage of the 18th Amendment].

“Wednesday, July 16, ’19.  . . . We left N.Y. for Washington at 6 P.M. and after going through Trenton, Philadelphia and Baltimore reached Washington at 11 P.M. and got a room at New Willard Hotel.

“Thursday, July 17, ’19. Found Major McNamara who was staying at same hotel and we all went up to the Capitol. We called on Senator Sheppard and also looked up [our] congressmen. Spent afternoon listening to speeches by Senator Sherman and others on the “League of Nations” and discussion in Congress on Banking Law. Went through Congressional Library [The Library of Congress], which is the finest building in America . . . (27) 

“Friday, July 18, ’19. We took sightseeing tour over the city, riding past all of famous buildings, homes, parks, etc. left Washington at 2 P.M. . . . 

“. . . Thursday, July 24, ’19. Spent the day riding on a hot, slow & dusty train from Texarkana to Corsicana where I arrived at 8 P.M. and slipped in on Mother & Mr. Terry at supper. The old place certainly looks good to me after so much traveling.

“. . . Friday, Aug 1, ’19. Major McNamara & I received our discharges at 4 P.M. and I am now free after 2 years 4 months in service.” 

Following his return to Texas, Johnson did not simply fade into obscurity. What followed was a remarkable career in politics, law, business and the military. After returning home, he went back to the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a law degree from that institution in 1921.  Also, that same year, while still a student, he was elected to the Texas State House of Representatives, where he was one of the two youngest members of the House to serve during that session.

After serving one term in the House, Johnson turned to the practice of law, where he practiced with the prominent Dallas firm of Locke, Locke, Stroud & Randolph. Later, he became president of the Southern Union Gas System, and served as an investment banker with Rupe Investment Corp., managing both oil and gas properties.   

A lifelong Democrat and close friend and ally to fellow Corsicana resident and World War I veteran Governor Beauford H. Jester, Johnson would also have a long and distinguished career in Texas politics. From 1928 to 1932, he served as secretary of the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee, becoming permanent convention chair in 1948. In 1932, he was appointed director of the newly created Texas Department of Public Safety, where he served until 1937. As DPS director, Johnson authored legislation which eventually combined DPS with the Texas Rangers and created a coordinated state crime lab. And in 1947, he was appointed to serve as chairman of the Citizen’s Crime Commission of Dallas County.

Johnson also continued on with his military service. After his discharge from the Army, he joined the Texas National Guard. After service in the China-Burma-India theater during World War II, in 1947 Johnson became the first commanding officer of the 49^th Armored Division of the Texas National Guard, the nation’s first National Guard armored division. He retired with the rank of brevet lieutenant general, after more than 40 years of service.       

Albert S. Johnson died in 1981 of pneumonia at the Dallas VA Medical Center. He was 84 years old and is buried next to his wife Claire at the Sparkman Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Dallas. (28)

ENDNOTES

1. All diary entries cited hereinafter are from the Albert S. Johnson Diaries, GA131, The University of Texas at Arlington Library Special Collections.

2. “Villefrance” apparently refers to Saulmory-et-Villefranche, a commune (comparable to a municipality in the US) in northeastern France, close to the German border. Though he carefully tried to document his whereabouts throughout the diaries, Johnson at times is mistaken in his dates and the names he gives to localities, which is understandable given his frequent movements, and lack of understanding of French.  On Buell and Smith, see 90^th Infantry Division Association, “Annex No. 3, Roster of Officers of the 90^th Division on November 11, 1918”,  http://www.90thdivisionassoc.org/90thDivisionFolders/mervinbooks/WWI90/WWI9020.pdf, accessed 24 October 2024. 

3. The Folies Bergère is a famous music hall in Paris which has featured musical comedies and other revues since 1872. Later, in 1926, the African-American entertainer Josephine Baker gained fame at the Folies Bergère when her act featured her dancing in a costume consisting of little more than a skirt made of artificial bananas. See "Folies-Bergère", Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Folies-Bergere, accessed 17 October 2024 and "Josephine Baker". Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 September 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josephine-Baker, accessed 17 October 2024.

4. Built in 1878, the Trocadéro Palace was demolished in 1935 and replaced with a new building, the Palais de Chaillot, which is still standing on the site today. See The Good Life France, “Palais du Trocadero Lost Monument of Paris”,  https://thegoodlifefrance.com/palais-du-trocadero-lost-monument-of-paris/, accessed 14 October 2024

5. This perhaps refers to the Hotel Astoria, which according to NATO, “was also known to Parisians as the ‘Kaiser hotel’, as Kaiser Wilhelm II had booked a suite there in 1914 to celebrate the hypothetical capture of Paris and the triumphal march through the French capital.” See North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), “How SHAPE took shape: The Hotel Astoria”, https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_142401.htm”, accessed 11 October 2024. 

6. Named after Czar Alexander III of Russia, the Pont Alexandre III was built between 1896 and 1900. The foundation stone for the bridge was actually laid not by Alexander III but by his son, Czar Nicholas II in 1896. See Paris.fr., “Pont Alexandre III,” in Internet Archive, https://web.archive.org/web/20061125232017/http://www.v1.paris.fr/en/Visiting/SITE.ASP?SITE=10007”, accessed 17 October 2024. 

7. this refers to Huge German gun nicknamed Big Bertha which shelled Paris from 71 miles away. The first attack occurred on Good Friday 1918, with more attacks continuing thereafter. See British Pathé, “Where Big Bertha Hit Paris (1918),” https://www.britishpathe.com/asset/95471/, accessed 11 October 2024.

8. For Auchterlonie, see 90^th Infantry Division Association, “Annex No. 3” 

9. Brig. Gen. William G. Haan, who became commander of the VII Corps in November after the Armistice. Previously, he had commanded the 32^nd Infantry Division. See Michael Robert Patterson, “William George Haan, United States Army,” 3 March 2024, https://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/wghaan.htm, accessed 17 October 2024. 

10. This refers to the death of former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died at the age of 60 on January 6, 1919, not January 5 as Johnson states here. See Find a Grave, memorial page for Theodore Roosevelt (27 Oct 1858–6 Jan 1919), Find a Grave Memorial ID 898,  (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/898/theodore-roosevelt, Accessed 17 October 17 2024. 

11. Yankee Tar is a slang term for American sailors. See Beer in the Bilges, “What Is A Yankee Tar?”, 8 January 2013,  https://beerinthebilges.wordpress.com/2013/01/08/what-is-a-yankee-tar/, accessed 11 October 2024.  

12. “Good Gulf” is apparently slang during this time period for something good, which was based on a commercial slogan for Gulf Oil, “Good Gulf Gasoline”. See Wikipedia, “Gulf Oil”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Oil, accessed 17 October 2024.

13. Hazeltine, Buckland and Kenny were some of the foremost legal scholars in Britain at this time. Harold D. Hazeltine (1871-1960) was actually an American, a graduate of Harvard Law School who became the Downing Professor of the Laws of England at Cambridge in 1919. See Wikipedia, “Harold Dexter Hazeltine,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_Dexter_Hazeltine.  Professor William Warwick Buckland (1859-1946) was a scholar of Roman Law who served as Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University of Cambridge from 1914 to 1945. See Wikipedia, “William Warwick Buckland,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Warwick_Buckland, accessed 11 October 2024.  Of Kenny, see note that follows.

14. Courtney Kenny (1847-1930) was a famous British legal scholar and politician. He sat in the House of Commons from 1885 to 1888, and later served Downing Professor of the Laws of England at Downing College in the University of Cambridge. Renowned for his authoritative lectures on English law, he wrote a variety of legal textbooks, some of which are still in use today. See Wikipedia, “Courtney Kenny,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courtney_Kenny_(British_politician), accessed 24 October 2024 and Find a Grave, Memorial page for Courtney Stanhope Kenny (18 Mar 1847–18 Mar 1930),  https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34798109/courtney_stanhope-kenny, accessed 21 October 2024.

15. Sir J.J. (Joseph John) Thomson (1856-1940) was an eminent British physicist and Nobel Laureate. As a professor of Physics at Cambridge, Thomson taught several other eminent physicists, including J. Robert Oppenheimer and Niels Bohr, and many others. See Wikipedia, “J.J. Thomson,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._J._Thomson, accessed 14 October 2024.

16. Godfrey Rathbone Benson, 1st Baron Charnwood (1864-1945), was a famous  English author, barrister, philosopher and politician. Benson served in the House of Commons from 1892 to 1895, and was a popular lecturer at Balliol College Oxford.  Lord Charnwood was also the author of many works, including biographies of Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. See Wikipedia, “Godfrey Benson, 1^st Baron Charnwood,’ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godfrey_Benson,_1st_Baron_Charnwood, accessed 21 October 2024.

17. Elizabeth Canning Treat (1734-1773) was an English maidservant who claimed to have been the victim of a kidnapping who was held against her will for almost a month. Her case became o one of the most famous true crime mysteries in English history. See Wikipedia, “Elizabeth Canning,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Canning, accessed 21 October 2024.

18. Frederick E. (F.E.) Smith, Lord Birkenhead (1872-1930), was a British Conservative politician and barrister who served as Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain from 1919 to 1922. See Wikipedia, “F.E. Smith,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._E._Smith,_1st_Earl_of_Birkenhead accessed 21 October 2024. James Bryce, 1st Viscount Bryce  (1838-1922), was an eminent British historian, jurist and Liberal politician who had served as British ambassador to the United States from 1907 to 1913. See Wikipedia, “James Bryce,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bryce,_1st_Viscount_Bryce, accessed 21 October 2024. And John W. Davis (1873-1955) was the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1918 to 1921. In 1924, Davis unsuccessfully ran as the Democratic Party’s candidate for President against Calvin Coolidge. See Encyclopedia Britannica eds., "John W. Davis,” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-W-Davis, accessed 21 October 2024.

19. According to The Open University: “The 1919 Aliens Restriction Act extended the powers of the wartime Act of 1914 which obliged foreign nationals to register with the police, enabled their deportation, and restricted where they could live. The primary aim of the 1914 Act was to target ‘enemy aliens’ resident in Britain during the First World War. The 1919 Act continued these restrictions into peace-time and extended them. It restricted the employment rights of aliens resident in Britain, barring them from certain jobs (in the civil service, for example), and had a particular impact on foreign seamen working on British ships. It also targeted criminals, paupers and ‘undesirables’, and made it illegal for aliens to promote industrial action. A motivation for the extension of the restrictions was the end to the wartime labour shortages and consequent desire to safeguard jobs for indigenous white Britons.” See The Open University, “1919 Aliens Restriction Act,” https://www5.open.ac.uk/research-projects/making-britain/content/1919-aliens-restriction-act#, accessed 17 October 2024.

20. The Lillies, Lucie, Muriel and Beatrice, were all performers of some note during this period. Lucie Lillie was a concert singer, and her daughter Muriel was a pianist. Lucie’s other daughter Beatrice is probably the best known of the three. She achieved some fame as an actress, stage performer and comedienne, and was known for, according to one source, “her favorite stunt of gyrating her neck so that her pearls would spin round and round hula hoop style”.  See Travelanche, “Beatrice Lillie: Low Comedy and Lady Peel,”  29 May 2013, https://travsd.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/stars-of-vaudeville-17-beatrice-lillie/, accessed 21 October 2024 and Wikipedia, “Beatrice Lillie,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatrice_Lillie, accessed 21 October 2024.]

21. L.F.L. Oppenheim (1858-1919), a native of Germany, was the Whewell Professor of International Law at University of Cambridge, and was a widely recognized authority on International Law. He died in October of this year (1919). See Wikipedia, “L.F.L. Oppenheim,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._F._L._Oppenheim, accessed 18 October 2024. 

22. “Joe Bailey” may refer to Joseph W. Bailey Sr. (1862-1929), who served as a Congressman and Senator from Texas from 1891 to 1913. See United States Congress. "Bailey, Joseph Weldon". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B000044, accessed 21 October 2024.

23. Richard Burdon Haldane, 1st Viscount Haldane (1856-1928) was a British politician who served as Secretary of State for War from 1905 to 1912 and Lord Chancellor from 1912 to 1915. As Secretary of State for War, he was known as the author of the "Haldane Reforms" of the British Army, which created an expeditionary force designed to intervene overseas in the event of a major war. He was also the leader of the “Haldane Mission”, which in 1912 sought better relations with Germany in 1912. The mission failed however, which resulted in the UK establishing closer ties with France.  His nephew, whom Johnson refers to here, is almost certainly (Thomas) Graeme Haldane (1897-1981), a veteran of the Royal Navy who was also studying at this time at Trinity College, Cambridge. Graeme Haldane would go on to become a noted engineer in Scotland as a pioneer in the development of the heat pump as well as Britain’s National Grid. See Wikipedia, “Richard Haldane, 1^st Viscount Haldane,”  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Haldane,_1st_Viscount_Haldane, accessed 17 October 2024 and Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame, “Thomas Graeme Nelson Haldane,” https://engineeringhalloffame.org/profile/thomas-graeme-nelson-haldane, accessed 21 October 2024.

24. The sinking of the ships at Scapa Flow refers to an incident which occurred on June 21^st, 1919. According to Wikipedia, “On 21 June 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War, the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet was scuttled by its sailors while held off the harbour of the British Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow, in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. The fleet was interned there under the terms of the Armistice of 11 November 1918 while negotiations took place over its fate. Fearing that either the British would seize the ships unilaterally or the German government at the time might reject the Treaty of Versailles and resume the war effort (in which case the ships could be used against Germany)” the Germans scuttled their fleet in violation of the terms of the Armistice, destroying 52 of their 74 interned ships. Britain’s Imperial War Museum has noted that “It was the greatest single loss of shipping in a single day in history.” See Wikipedia, “Scuttling of the German fleet at Scapa Flow,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scuttling_of_the_German_fleet_at_Scapa_Flow, accessed 21 October 2024 and Imperial War Museums, “The Scuttling of the German Fleet 1919,” https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-scuttling-of-the-german-fleet-1919, accessed 21 October 2024.

25. Johnson’s statement here that the Germans signed the “Armistice” is not correct. The Germans signed the Armistice which ended the war on November 11, 1918. What Johnson is apparently referring to here is that the German government agreed to sign the Treaty of Versailles on this date, with the actual signing of the treaty occurring on June 28th.  See Chateau de Versailles, “The Treaty of Versailles, 1919,” https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history/key-dates/treaty-versailles-1919, accessed 21 October 2024.

26. This refers to the boxing match between Jack Dempsey and World Heavyweight Champion Jess Willard in Toledo, Ohio on July 4^th. Dempsey won by a knockout in the third round. See YouTube, “Jack Dempsey vs Jess Willard - Full Highlights,” uploaded by Left Hook, 7 May 2023, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vX093QeiWh4, accessed 21 October 2024.

27. “Senator Sheppard” refers to Sen. Morris Sheppard (D-Texas), who served as a United States Senator from Texas from 1913 until his death in 1941. See “Sheppard, Morris.” Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/S000337, accessed 21 October 2024. “Senator Sherman” refers to U.S. Senator Lawrence Y. Sherman (R-Illinois), who would become one of the main opponents to the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles in the Senate. See Chandler, Aaron, “Senator Lawrences Sherman's Role in the Defeat of the Treaty of Versailles,” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 94:3 (Autumn 2001): 279.

28. “Dallas Lawyer-Businessman Gen. Albert Johnson Dies”, The Dallas Morning News, 24 February 1981, sec. B, p. 5; Texas Dept. of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Death certificate of Albert S. Johnson, State File No. 07975, 25 February 1981; and National Personnel Records Center, Military Service Records of Albert Sidney Johnson.

This blog post is dedicated in honor of all those who served—and especially to those who never came back home.