Private John A. Johnson - 7th Armoured Division​

John A Johnson, from Brooklyn, served with 87th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Armored Division. His unit was added to reinforce positions at the crucial crossroads at Baraque de Fraiture, on or about December 20, 1944, as St. Vith and the surrounding area (about 30 kilometers to the east) were being evacuated. The crossroads was crucial because of its access to multiple roads, its high altitude for the area, and that it was a point to keep the Germans from surrounding the retreating elements from the St. Vith pocket. This was the main penetration point of 5. Panzerarmee in the central or middle part of the German offensive.

​The men at the crossroads held for days until they were finally overrun by crack German units, particularly 2. SS Panzer-Division on December 23, 1944. Johnson was likely positioned northwest of Regne, just east of the crossroads, in the direction of Vielsalm. He and the men in which he defended the area were initially reported MIA and were probably lost to the intense shelling by the Germans before and as they attacked the area. Johnson was ultimately recovered and buried at Henri Chapelle but ultimately disinterred and sent back to be buried in NY at the request of his sister and brother. His Report of Burial shows wounds to the legs and head. Johnson was born on May 9, 1912 - at 31 he was likely an older Private among the men.

The snowy crossroads at Baraque de Fraiture

Johnson's posthumous Purple Heart with case, ribbon bar, label ribbon, and additional ribbon.