Evan Malbone Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 26, 1861, a son of Evan M. Johnson (1833–1915) and Amy (Grant) Johnson (1843–1872).[1][2] Johnson's father was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, and attained the rank of captain in the 23rd New York Infantry Regiment before winning election to the post of Brooklyn city controller.[3] Johnson's grandfather was prominent clergyman Evan Malbone Johnson, who was often referred to as "Dominie" Johnson.[4] Despite being the third in his family to carry the name, Johnson was frequently called Evan Malbone Johnson Jr. to distinguish him from his father and grandfather.[3] Johnson attended the public schools of Brooklyn and graduated from the city's Juvenile High School.[5] He then attended the Alexander Military Academy in White Plains, New York and Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute.[1]
Under his own name, in August 1885, Johnson passed the examination for a commission, was appointed a second lieutenant of Infantry, and was assigned to the 10th Infantry.[1] In 1889, he graduated from the Infantry and Cavalry School at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.[7] From 1891 to 1894, he served as professor of military science at Mount Union College.[1] In 1892, he was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to the 19th Infantry.[7] When Johnson left Mount Union in 1894, the college awarded him the honorary degree of Master of Science.[3] In 1895, Johnson took part in Apache Wars expeditions in Arizona and New Mexico.[1] In July 1895, he was appointed regimental quartermaster.[7]
Continued career
In 1898, the 19th Infantry mobilized for overseas duty during the Spanish–American War, and Johnson took part in combat in Puerto Rico.[1] He later served as military governor of Adjuntas province.[1] In March 1899, he was promoted to captain.[1]
In 1905, Johnson was a member of the 8th Infantry when his article "The Enlisted Man's Contract With the Government" was published in the Journal of the Military Service Institution of the United States.[8] Johnson's article was well-received and won the Silver Medal in the organization's annual awards program for original authorship of articles on military topics.[8] From 1906 to 1908 he served with the 8th Infantry in the Philippines.[9] In 1908 he was promoted to major and assigned to the 6th Infantry.[10]
In 1910, Johnson was assigned as a student at the United States Army War College, from which he graduated in 1911.[1][11] After graduation, Johnson was assigned as instructor and advisor for the New Jersey National Guard.[1] In late 1912, Johnson was assigned to staff duty in the Army's Militia Affairs Bureau.[1] From 1912 to 1914, Johnson served as secretary of the United States Infantry Association and editor of the Infantry Journal.[1] In 1913, he was an instructor and advisor for the Pennsylvania National Guard during its annual summer training, and later that summer he performed similar duty in New Jersey.[12][13]
In August 1917, he was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to command the 154th Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 77th Division.[1] Johnson took part in the division's combat in France and served as acting division commander on several occasions.[1] When the Lost Battalion commanded by Charles W. Whittlesey became isolated in October 1918, Johnson personally led an attack that attempted to relieve Whittlesey, and was wounded in the battle.[1]
In June 1918, Mount Union College conferred on Johnson the honorary degree of LL.D.[17] In late October 1918, Johnson was assigned to command the 158th Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 79th Division.[1] He remained in command until the end of the war, and also acted as division commander on several occasions.[1]
Later career
In 1919, Johnson returned to his permanent rank of colonel and was assigned as U.S. military attaché in Rome.[18] He continued to serve until 1922, when he requested retirement.[19] Johnson was fluent in Italian, one reason why he was highly regarded by the Italian government.[20]
Awards
Johnson's awards and decorations included the French Croix de Guerre to recognize his combat experience in World War I.[21] In addition, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor (Officer) to recognize his wartime service.[20] Johnson was also awarded the Italian Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus (Commander) in recognition of the service he rendered while stationed in Rome.[20]
Johnson died in Paris on October 14, 1923, as the result of complications while undergoing surgery.[20] He was buried at Suresnes American Cemetery and Memorial in Suresnes, France.[23] In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at the highest rank they had held, and Johnson's brigadier general rank was posthumously restored.[24]
Family
In 1896, Johnson married Bessie Seaman in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.[25] They divorced in March 1915, and in July Mrs. Johnson married Army officer William M. Morrow.[26][27] The Johnsons were the parents of three children – Elizabeth, Cornelia, and Evan.[28]
^Thomas, John Lloyd, ed. (April 1918). "On Our Army Roster". Brotherhood. New York, NY: Scottish Rite Bodies of New York City. p. 14 – via Google Books.
^"Burial Record, Evan M. Johnson". ABMC Burials Search. Washington, DC: American Battle Monuments Commission. Retrieved March 12, 2021.