Medal of Honor: Harold I. Johnston – World War I – November 9, 1918
When others hesitated before the icy waters of the Meuse, one soldier dove in. Sergeant Harold I. Johnston swam through enemy fire to gather vital intelligence—and returned to tell the tale.
November 7, 2025
Name: Harold I. Johnston
Rank: Sergeant (then Private First Class)
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company A, 356th Infantry, 89th Division
Place and Date: Near Pouilly, France – 9 November 1918
Entered Service At: Chicago, Illinois
Born: Kendall, Kansas
Accredited to: Illinois
Summary of Action
As World War I neared its end, American forces along the Meuse River faced fierce German resistance from fortified positions on the far bank. Vital intelligence was needed to plan the next move, but the river—cold, wide, and swept by enemy fire—stood as a deadly barrier.
Private First Class Harold I. Johnston volunteered without hesitation to swim across. Together with another soldier, he plunged into the frigid, hostile waters under direct observation from the enemy. Reaching the opposite shore, he located the German defenses and gathered crucial information.
Exhausted but resolute, Johnston swam back through the strong current and re-crossed the river, nearly collapsing as he was pulled from the water. Gasping for breath, he still delivered his report—information that would aid the American advance and bring victory closer.
Medal of Honor Citation
Place and date: Near Pouilly, France, 9 November 1918.
Entered service at: Chicago, Ill.
Birth: Kendall, Kans.
G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919.
Citation:
When information was desired as to the enemy’s position on the opposite side of the Meuse River, Sgt. Johnston, with another soldier, volunteered without hesitation and swam the river to reconnoiter the exact location of the enemy. He succeeded in reaching the opposite bank, despite the evident determination of the enemy to prevent a crossing. Having obtained his information, he again entered the water for his return. This was accomplished after a severe struggle which so exhausted him that he had to be assisted from the water, after which he rendered his report of the exploit.
