Hometown Heroes of WWII
Lt. Johnson saved his company from destruction
By Michael Rocchetti
Herbert A. Johnson (1915-2009) Lieutenant U.S. Army, was assigned to the 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division which participated in the invasion landing in Algeria in 1942 and fought at both the battles of the Kasserine Pass and El Guettar
He was awarded the Silver Star for heroism in action in Tunisia North Africa. The former POW who was graduated from Putnam High School and the University of New Hampshire, was serving as a cover man for a “runner” and as a result was instrumental in saving his company from destruction by the enemy. A member of a heavy weapons company, he moved up with his unit to support the infantry in an attack on a German position on a hill. Before reaching their objective, they were cut off by the enemy on a plain. The Americans set up their weapons and a pitched battle ensued. While this was taking place, Lt. Johnson volunteered to investigate the situation by climbing the hill and a runner accompanied him. About 500 yards from the top he contacted a wounded American officer who revealed that his entire force had been either annihilated or captured and the Germans were strongly fortified there. As a result Lt Johnson started back to his own lines to warn his company of the danger that lay ahead. Before arriving there, he found himself cut off by a force of the enemy consisting of about 40 men. He and his runner, who was a sergeant, returned the fire. Then Lt. Johnson sent the runner to complete the mission alone while he held off the Germans. Consequently, his company escaped the trap awaiting them. However, Lt. Johnson was captured by the enemy, and spent the rest of the war at a German Prisoner of War Camp (Oflag 64) in Szubin, Poland. In addition to the Silver Star Medal, Lt. Johnson also was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.
After WWII, he remained in the Army, served in the Korean war, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Herbert Johnson was born Oct. 30, 1915, in Putnam to Herbert and Lillian Johnson. He had one sister. He married Sara Meyers and they had two children. He died on Nov. 18 2009, at the age of 94.
Hometown Heroes is a series published in the Putnam Town Crier & Northeast Ledger with this mission: We owe it to our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines to make sure that they are never forgotten, and that the memory of their service and sacrifice will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the grateful people of Putnam.

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