[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING WORLD WAR II STAFF SERGEANT EDDIE JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff 
Sergeant Eddie Johnson of my hometown, Flint Michigan. Eddie Johnson is 
a World War II veteran and is part of the Honor Flight Network 
contingent of veterans traveling to Washington DC to visit the National 
World War II Memorial.
  Eddie Johnson joined the United States Army at the age of 18 on May 
21, 1941. He served until January 6, 1946. During his service he taught 
himself to read and write. He was promoted and became one of the first 
Black Staff Sergeants in World War II. He was in charge of an 
Engineering Platoon in the 93rd Division; Company A 318th Engineer 
Combat Battalion. He served through the Bismarck-Archipelago, New 
Guinea, and Northern Solomon Campaigns.
  He is a Veterans of Foreign Wars--Lifetime Member of the Dr. George 
Washington Carver Post 3791, Past Post Commander and Member of the 
American Legion Dorie Miller Post 306. He is honored to have his own 
display at the Military and Space Museum in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
  After his discharge from the Army, Eddie utilized the GI Bill to 
study tailoring and TV and radio repair. He moved to Flint in 1953 with 
the intention of starting his own business. Instead, he hired into 
General Motors V-8 Plant and worked there for 23 years. He went on to 
become head of security for Genesee County Community Mental Health, 
worked with the MTA-Your Ride program, and is head of security at 
Southeast Christian Church. Married to Betty, Eddie has 8 children and 
5 step-children. He is the patriarch of a 5 generation family.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking Eddie Johnson for his service to our country and his 
continuing devotion to the memory of his fellow patriots. May we always 
treasure men and women like Staff Sergeant Eddie Johnson for their 
sacrifice and fidelity to our Nation.

                          ____________________