Photo: Ohlhous via WikiMedia Commons
Lawmakers in New York are advocating to rename the Patroon Island Bridge in Albany in honor of Sergeant Henry Johnson, a local World War I hero. The proposal, introduced by Senator Patricia Fahy and others, seeks to rename the bridge as the Sergeant Henry Johnson Memorial Bridge. Sergeant Johnson, an Albany native, served in the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as the Harlem Hellfighters, and received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during a 1918 battle in France.
During the battle, Johnson and a fellow soldier faced a German raiding party. Despite being outnumbered, Johnson fought valiantly, sustaining 21 wounds while preventing his comrades from being captured. His courage earned him the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Service Cross, and eventually, the Medal of Honor in 2015 after years of advocacy.
The current name, Patroon Island Bridge, references the Dutch landholders of the 17th-century New Netherland colony, who were known for exploiting enslaved labor. Lawmakers believe renaming the bridge is a fitting tribute to Johnson's legacy and a step toward recognizing the contributions of Black Americans in military history.
Senator Fahy stated, "Renaming the Capital Region’s Patroon Island Bridge in honor of Sgt. Henry Johnson is long overdue recognition for a true American hero." The proposal comes amid controversy over the renaming of military bases, including the recent decision to revert Fort Johnson back to Fort Polk, a move criticized for erasing Johnson's legacy.