[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 29 (Monday, February 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF 1SG STALEY JOHNSON SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED BUDD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 15, 2021

  Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of 1SG 
Staley Johnson Sr. of Kannapolis, North Carolina.
  Staley Johnson was born on December 4th, 1920 in Alexander County, 
North Carolina to Jonas and Nancy Johnson. After the 5th grade, Johnson 
left school to help provide for and support his family.
  A native North Carolinian, Staley Johnson enlisted with the U.S. Army 
on December 6th, 1941, the day before the attacks at Pearl Harbor. 
Staley Johnson was just 23 years old at the time.
  Johnson served heroically and courageously as a heavy machine gunner 
in the 330th Infantry. During his service in Europe, Johnson was 
wounded from gunfire in the back near La Barre, France on July 27, 1944 
after arriving on the beaches of France just after D-Day. Johnson was 
involved in further action in Europe as the Allies closed in on Germany 
before Allied victory in Europe. Johnson received a Purple Heart, a 
Bronze Star, and several other awards for his valor and courage. After 
his discharge, he went to work for Cannon Mills, but remained active in 
the National Guard.
  In April 1945, Johnson married Nellie Victoria Foster. They had four 
children; Staley Jr., Pamela, Jerry, and Kathy. The couple were married 
for over 64 years before Nellie passed away in 2010. Staley is the 
grandfather to six, great-grandfather to 12, and great-great-
grandfather to two. His family and his church mean the world to him.
  Often, Staley Johnson can be found singing ``Sweet Hour of Prayer,'' 
a song he learned while resting in a town the allies had just 
recaptured from Hitler's Army. He is known to be full of stories from 
World War II.
  Madam Speaker, 1SG Staley Johnson Sr. is an American hero. His 
service to our country will never be forgotten. It is an honor and a 
privilege to represent Staley Johnson in the U.S. House of 
Representatives.

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