Albany war hero honored for act of valor on 100th anniversary (Spectrum News)

The following story was originally broadcast on Spectrum News Capital Region on May 15, 2018.

By Evan Sery

One hundred years ago Tuesday, Albany hero Henry Johnson fought off a surprise German raid during World War I. Tuesday, the city of Albany made sure his heroism isn’t forgotten.

Dozens of local legislators and members of the community braved the pouring rain to catch a glimpse of Sgt. Johnson’s 100th anniversary of his act of valor at his Washington Park statue. Members of the New York Army National Guard and cadets with Albany High School’s Sgt. Henry Johnson Battalion JROTC were also in attendance.

In 2015, President Barack Obama honored Johnson with the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Spectrum News spoke to Albany County Legislator Lucille McKnight, who hopes the county does more to recognize the war hero.

"Mr. Henry Johnson was an international soldier, as you know, from France to Germany to Albany," McKnight said. "And I'd like one day to see on that airport, to see when I fly in here ... Henry Johnson Airport.”

Beginning in June, interested buyers can purchase limited-edition silver coin-shaped medals honoring Johnson.