DOB/DOD: August 15, 1918 (Trenton, NJ) – May 29, 1990 (Newington, CT); 71 years old
MARITAL STATUS: Married Dorothy G. Clark Johnston (1921-2005) on August 8, 1942, in Colchester, Connecticut
CHILDREN: One son, William J., Jr. (1943-). Three daughters, Dorothy “Dottie” E. Johnston O’Meara (1946-), Diane J. Johnston Carragher (1950-2014), and Donna L. (1954-).
ENLISTMENT: March 13, 1943.
SERVICE NUMBER: 31009365.
DISCHARGE: September 9, 1944, after a seven-month hospital stay.
FAMILY: Born to John G. (1881-1961) and Mary A. Watson Johnston (1888-1922). John was born in Scotland, and Mary in England. Mary died when PFC Johnston was three years old. Three brothers, Robert G. (1910-1996), John J. (1914-1960), and Charles O. (1920-1998). One sister, Elizbeth G. Johnston Cohen (1912-1994).
OTHER: Following his discharge from the Army, PFC Johnston had a long career with the Veterans Administration. He was also the VFW Department of Connecticut Commander in 1952-1953, representing Post 6990 in Amston.
Member of the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2006.
In a meeting between Jeff DeWitt and daughter Dottie O’Meara, she said, “We were buddies.” She went on to say her father was a quiet man. The shrapnel that injured her father entered his chest and exited his side. Half of one lung was removed because of this event.
MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING: World War II
BRANCH OF SERVICE: Army
UNIT: Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division
GENERAL ORDERS: War Department, General Orders No. 73, September 6, 1944
AGE ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT: 26
CITATION:
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private First Class William James Johnston, Sr., United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on February 17 – 19, 1944, while serving with Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. On 17 February 1944, near Padiglione, Italy, Private First Class Johnston observed and fired upon an attacking force of approximately 80 Germans, causing at least 25 casualties and forcing withdrawal of the remainder. All that day, he manned his gun without relief, subject to mortar, artillery, and sniper fire. Two Germans individually worked so close to his position that his machine gun was ineffective, whereupon he killed one with his pistol and the second with a rifle taken from another soldier. When a rifleman protecting his gun position was killed by a sniper, he immediately moved the body and relocated the machine gun in that spot in order to obtain a better field of fire. He volunteered to cover the platoon’s withdrawal and was the last man to leave that night. In his new position, he maintained an all-night vigil, the next day causing seven German casualties. On the afternoon of the 18th, the organization on the left flank, having been forced to withdraw, he again covered the withdrawal of his own organization. Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded over the heart, and a passing soldier saw him trying to crawl up the embankment. The soldier aided him to resume his position behind the machine gun, which was soon heard in action for about ten minutes. Though reported killed, Private First Class Johnston was seen returning to the American lines on the morning of 19 February, slowly and painfully working his way back from his overrun position through enemy lines. He gave valuable information of new enemy dispositions. His heroic determination to destroy the enemy and his disregard of his own safety aided immeasurably in halting a strong enemy attack, caused an enormous amount of enemy casualties, and so inspired his fellow soldiers that they fought for and held a vitally important position against greatly superior forces.
Presentation Date and Details: August 30, 1944, in Washington, D.C., presented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Undersecretary of War Robert P. Patterson, Jr.
From the 180th Infantry Division History — all three Medal of Honor recipients listed survived the war.
The Medal of Honor and certificate are from a display case in the William J. Johnston Middle School lobby. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for action during the Naples-Foggia Campaign. The certificate and medal are from a display in the William J. Johnston Middle School lobby. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
Purple Heart Medal from display in William J. Johnston Middle School lobby. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
Certificate and medal from display in William J. Johnston Middle School lobby. Photos by Jeff DeWitt.
TRANSLATION OF THE CERTIFICATE
MINISTRY OF WAR
Umberto of Savoy Prince of Piedmont Lieutenant General of the Kingdom with His Decree dated 15 September 1945.
Having regard to the Royal Decree 4 November 1932, no 1423 subsequent modifications, on the proposal of the Minister Secretary of State for Affairs. Of the war;
He conferred the Motu Troprio.
Military Cross
to PFC Johnston, William J.
IN THE ITALIAN COUNTRYSIDE, HE WAS DISTINGUISHED FOR VALOR AND HIGH SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE
The Minister Secretary of State for War Affairs hereby releases this document to certify the conferred honorary badge.
Rome, October 5, 1944
Namesake of William J. Johnston Middle School at 360 Norwich Avenue, Colchester, Connecticut.
Front of William J. Johnston Middle School. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
Plaque in the lobby of William J. Johnston Middle School. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
On May 19, 1990, Central Middle School was renamed the William J. Johnston Middle School in honor of Colchester’s World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, William J. Johnston. Mr. Johnston, a native of Colchester, received the nation’s highest award for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty, in action against the enemy.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the Medal of Honor to Private First Class Johnston on May 29, 1944. Following his discharge from the Army, Mr. Johnston built a career with the Veteran’s Administration as a service officer. He was also a former Selectman of the Town of Colchester and an active member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Johnston’s message for the students of Colchester was to “respect each other” and to respect the right to disagree without being disagreeable, to be decent, and to be willing to accept other people’s opinions.
Mr. Johnston passed away on May 29, 1990, forty-six years after he received his most prestigious honor.
From the River East News Bulletin October 12, 2007. Author: Jim Salemi. Used with permission.
COLCHESTER HIGHWAY NAMED IN JOHNSTON’S HONOR
The section of Lebanon Avenue between Broadway and the Lebanon town line was dedicated as the William J. Johnston Memorial Highway last Friday (October 5, 2007) on the town green, near where the green sign stands.
Family and friends of World War II veteran and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient William J. Johnston Sr. gathered on the green for the formal ceremony, flanked on one side by the Antique Veterans Color Guard.
Johnston died 17 years ago, but if he had been in attendance, he might have simply shaken his head over all the fuss, just as he did on the very same green 60 years ago when the town threw a celebration in his honor after returning from Europe, a hero.
“Sixty years ago, after he returned and healed, there was a big celebration for him on the town green. The whole town was there. The whole town was so proud of him.” said American Legion commander and VFW member Ray Ryan, a veteran of the Korean War era.
“People were heaping on the praise and appreciation,” Ryan continued, “and all he could do was sit there and wonder what all the hoopla was about. To him, he was just doing his job.”
Ryan, who served as master of ceremony last Friday with VFW Commander Joe Burba, also read Johnston’s Medal of Honor citation by President Roosevelt:
“On 17 February 1944, near Padigilone, Italy, he observed and fired upon an attacking force of approximately 80 Germans. causing at least 25 casualties and forcing withdrawal of the remainder.” Ryan read. “All that day, he manned his gun without relief, subject to mortar, artillery, and sniper fire. … When a rifleman protecting his gun position was killed by a sniper, he immediately moved the body and relocated the machinegun in that spot in order to obtain a better field of fire. … Shortly thereafter, he was seriously wounded over the heart, and a passing soldier saw him trying to crawl up the embankment. The soldier aided him to resume his position behind the machine gun, which was soon heard in action for about 10 minutes…”
Other details in the citation include accounts of when Johnston killed soldiers who had worked their way so close to him that his fixed machine gun was ineffective. He killed one with his pistol and another with a rifle taken from another soldier.
State Rep. Linda Orange presented Johnston’s family with a replica of the sign naming the road for Johnston.
William Johnston Jr. and his wife Judy, as well as Johnston Sr.’s daughter Dottie O’Meara and her husband Thomas, were among the family members in attendance.
Orange acknowledged the veteran’s groups, former First Selectman Jenny Contois and State Senator Eileen Daily, for making the memorial possible.
“This is a great honor bestowed upon your father,” Orange said to Johnston Jr. and O’Meara.
While Johnston is recognized for earning the Medal of Honor recipient, he also received other awards, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Italian Medal of Honor, and the Bronze Star during his relatively brief service.
Johnston was born in 1918 in Trenton, New Jersey, came to Connecticut with his family in 1919, and settled in Amston.
In 1922, his mother died, and Johnston was taken in by the Harrison Foote family in Colchester. Johnston went to the Unionville School for his elementary education and attended Bacon Academy from 1933-37, where he was active in sports, playing on the basketball and baseball teams.
After high school, Johnston went to work for Bacon Brothers in Middletown as an apprentice plumber. He later worked as a truck driver and then went to work for United Aircraft in East Hartford in 1939.
Johnston married Dorothy Clark from North Westchester on August 8. 1942. He entered the service on March 23, 1943, and was discharged on September 9, 1944. After working again as a truck driver for a year, Johnston went to work for the Veterans’ Administration in Hartford in 1945, remaining with them until he retired. He had four children: William Jr., Dorothy, Diane, and Donna.
Johnston was also involved in the Colchester community. He served as a selectman, coached basketball at Bacon Academy, and was a member of the VFW, American Legion, the Legion of Valor, and the Colchester Fish and Game Club. He died on May 29, 1990.
From The Regional Standard June 2, 1990
COLCHESTER MOURNS DEATH OF WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON
War Hero’s Memory Lives In School Recently Dedicated In His Honor
So we’re glad
Not that our friend is gone
But that the world he loved and lived upon
Was our world, too.
That we had closely known and loved him
And that our love we’d shown.
Tears over his departure?
Nay, a smile that we had walked with him a little while.
– Poem, unknown author, and title, quoted by Dr. Franklin Gross
COLCHESTER – War hero and Colchester native William J. Johnston Sr. died Tuesday (May 29), 10 days after the middle school was dedicated and renamed in his
honor.
Johnston, 71, had suffered from a lung condition for a number of years, and according to his wife, Dorothy, his condition had been getting worse. He was admitted to the U.S. Veterans Medical Center in Newington on Sunday.
“I’m so glad he lived to see the dedication,” she said, noting that it was becoming impossible for his lungs to expel carbon dioxide as the muscles had lost their elasticity. By Tuesday, his heart and kidneys had failed.
“Just before he died, he was the most peaceful man you would want to see,” she said. “The whole family was with him at the end, and it was really beautiful.” Dorothy Johnston said she has all good memories and believes the “Lord has been good to us.”
The Board of Selectmen has declared May 30 to June 6 a period of mourning in Johnston’s memory and “further proclaim that this shall be a period of reflection on his life.”
Calling Johnston a good friend, First Selectman F. Duncan Green said, “If I ever could say I loved a man, I loved Bill and admired him.”
Johnston was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in September 1944 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for an act of bravery under fire against the Germans near Padiglione, Italy, during the Anzio invasion in February 1944. For two days, he manned a machine gun without relief and held off the enemy despite being seriously wounded. Eventually, after being reported killed, Private First Class Johnston worked his way back to the American lines.
“They talk about what I did with a machine gun,” Johnston once said. “The truth of the matter is I never qualified in basic training to use a machine gun, and my sergeant was always on me about that.”
When talk about naming a school for him started, he thought his friends were joking. Overwhelmed at the prospect, he said it reminded him of the time he walked into the Oval Office to meet President Roosevelt. “My knees were shaking,” he had recalled. “Now that was scary.”
But his town honored him for more than winning a medal. Over the years, he dedicated his life to his country, state, and town. “He was such a kind man,” Margaret Fuchs said. “He helped so many veterans, and after talking to him, they all came away feeling so much better.”
Fuchs said she believes that people should give flowers to one another when they are alive, not after they have died. As one of the residents who spearheaded the move to rename the school, she thanked God that “Jimmy lived long enough to be there.
“I knew him since he was about two years old,” Fuchs added, “All the old-timers called him Jimmy – I guess he preferred it.” Fuchs’ comment about Johnston living long enough to attend the ceremony was echoed by many others as word of his death spread.
“How wonderful that he was there,” Louis Amara said. “I brought my children (to the dedication) and would like them to remember what he represented.”
Dr. Franklin Gross, who came to know Johnston fairly well in recent years, said he immediately thought of Jacqueline Kennedy’s words after President John F. Kennedy was shot. ‘‘For one brief shining moment, there was Camelot,” he said. Happily, Bill Johnston had his Camelot while he was alive.”
During his lifetime, Johnston preferred to talk about his years in Colchester, nor his war experiences. “I love this town, and I very much like the new people who are moving in,” he said not long ago. “They have many new ideas we ought to listen to.”
Johnston was born August 15, 1918, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of the late John and Mary (Watson) Johnston. Married for almost 48 years to his childhood sweetheart Dorothy Clark, whom he wed on August 8, 1942, in Colchester, Johnston also said that in looking back on his life, he would not change a thing “if I had my life to live over.”
Johnston was retired from the State of Connecticut Treasury Department, Veterans Bonus Division. He served as a commissioner of the Rocky Hill Veteran’s Home and Hospital and was retired from the Veterans Administration in Hartford.
Active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Legion of Valor, and the Disabled American Veterans, Johnston was also a member of the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor Society. He had served on both the Board of Selectmen and the Borough Board of Burgesses and was an active member of the Colchester Fish and Game Club and the St. Andrews Holy Name Society.
In addition to his wife, Johnston is survived by four children – a son, William J. Johnston Jr. of Newtown, and three daughters. Dorothy O’Meara of Colchester, Diane Carragher of Colchester, and Donna Johnston of New York – and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, John Johnston.
Funeral services were held June 1 at St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church in Colchester; he was buried in the Connecticut State Veteran’s Cemetery on Silver Street in Middletown.
From an unknown newspaper. Clipping is held in the Congressional Medal of Honor Society archives. Used with permission.
A HERO IN OUR MIDST
Dear Sir:
I want to thank the community of Colchester for the dedication of the William J. Johnston School. The ceremony was most impressive, memorable, thoughtfully planned, and presented. I wish to you all for the honor you have bestowed on me.
Sincerely,
William J. Johnston
That 45-word letter to the editor from Bill Johnston is a true reflection of the man himself. It’s a brief, simple, yet eloquent message written straight from the heart.
Mr. Johnston died in a veteran’s hospital on May 29, a little more than one week after the town renamed the middle school after him. That letter includes his last words to his fellow townspeople, who must take comfort in knowing how much the honor meant to him. He will most certainly be missed by everyone who knew him, but perhaps those people who never met Mr. Johnston or know little about his town could stand to know more.
Mr. Johnston’s courage in serving as a private in the U.S. Army during World War II has become locally famous. He was wounded just above the heart while covering his platoon’s withdrawal during a battle in Italy. He was reported killed, but the true story was that he fended off the enemy by firing at an attacking troop of some 80 German soldiers, killing at least 25 of them.
This Colchester native returned here to a hero’s welcome in September 1944, his Congressional Medal of Honor in tow. He had been credited for his courage by his fellow soldiers, superior officers, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, yet he changed little. He remained modest, and his service to the Armed Forces continued until his death. He was a Veterans Administration employee and a lifetime member of the VFW, where he served as commander for many years.
The word ‘hero’ is so grossly overused today that you can’t help but be leery upon hearing the term. Heroes are not paid a fortune for their work. They do not seek fame or personal gain. But think of some of the people deemed heroes: athletes, movie stars, rock musicians, and politicians. Unfortunately, this overuse has somewhat diluted a wonderful title.
That was not the case when you were around Mr. Johnston. He was an impressive man, yet without pretense, as he did not try to be anything more than he was – a rock-solid citizen of America. What made him the perfect hero was the fact that you did not have to know about him to respect him.
Flags will be flown at half-staff this week in his honor, and that is quite appropriate. After all, red, white, and blue were his favorite colors.
From The Hartford Courant May 31, 1990
William James Johnston Sr., 71, a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, of 64 Clark Lane, Colchester, died Tuesday (May 29) at the U.S. Veteran’s Medical Center, Newington. He was born August 15, 1918, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of the late John and Mary (Watson) Johnston. He was married on August 8, 1942, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Colchester, to Dorothy Clark. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was retired from the Connecticut State Treasury Department for the Veteran’s Bonus Division. He was a commissioner of the Rocky Hill Veteran’s Home and Hospital. He was retired from the Veteran’s Administration, Hartford. He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Legion of Valor, and the DAV, and was also a member of the Purple Heart and Medal of Honor Society. Besides receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor, he received a Purple Heart Medal. He served on the Board of Selectman and the Board of Burgesses for the Town of Colchester. He was an active member of the Colchester Fish and Game Club and the St. Andrew’s Holy Name Society. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, William J. Johnston Jr. of Newtown; three daughters, Mrs. Thomas (Dorothy) O’Meara of Colchester, Diane J. Carragher of Colchester, and Donna L. Johnston of New York; two brothers, Robert and Charles Johnston, both of Colchester; a sister, Mrs. Ruban (Elizabeth) Cohen of Colchester; six grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John Johnston. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, 10 a.m., at St. Andrew’s R.C. Church. Interment will follow in the Connecticut State Veteran’s Cemetery, Middletown. Calling hours are today, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Belmont Funeral Home, 144 S. Main Street, Colchester. Donations may be made in his memory to the St. Andrew’s Improvement Fund, Norwich Avenue, Colchester, 06415.
Honored with a small monument at the main flagpole at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut. Photo by Jeff DeWitt. He is the only Medal of Honor recipient buried there.
From The Regional Standard (Colchester, CT) June 2, 2002
Whereas the entire Town of Colchester is saddened at the death of William J. Johnston, we, the Selectmen of the Town, wish to offer our condolences and the sympathy of the entire town to the family and friends of this great American Hero.
It was our honor to have known and worked with Bill. He was always a willing servant of his fellow man. His life was dedicated to service to his Country, his State, and his Community. His record of service will never be forgotten by his fellow townspeople.
Just ten days ago, it was our privilege to take part in the ceremonies indicating our new middle school, and that dedication was a fitting man who had given so much to his fellow man. Now, the William J. Johnston School lives on as a permanent memorial to that life of service.
Now, therefore, we, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Colchester, do hereby proclaim that the seven days between May 30, 1990, and June 6, 1990, shall be a period of mourning in the Town of Colchester and that all flags in Colchester shall be flown at half-mast in remembrance of William J. Johnston. We further proclaim that this shall be a period of reflection on his life of service, and we suggest that all citizens of the Town of Colchester should strive to emulate that service for the betterment of our Town, our State, and our Country.
Signed and sealed this twenty-ninth day of May, nineteen hundred and ninety, at Colchester, Connecticut.
First Selectman F. Duncan Green Jr.
Selectman Adam Piekarz
Selectwoman Patricia Barton
Colchester
Buried in Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, Connecticut; Section 72, Row F, Grave 17. Photo by Jeff DeWitt.
END