Evan M. Johnson

Evan M. Johnson (September 26, 1861 – October 13, 1923) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Apache Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, occupation of Veracruz, and World War I, he was most notable for his First World War command of the 154th Infantry Brigade, 158th Infantry Brigade, 77th Division, and 79th Division.

Early life Evan Malbone Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 26, 1861, a son of Evan M. Johnson (1833–1915) and Amy (Grant) Johnson (1843–1872). Johnson's father was a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, and attained the rank of captain in the 23rd New York Infantry Regiment before winning election to the post of Brooklyn city controller. Johnson's grandfather was prominent clergyman Evan Malbone Johnson, who was often referred to as "Dominie" Johnson. Despite being the third in his family to carry the name, Johnson was frequently called Evan Malbone Johnson Jr. to distinguish him from his father and grandfather. He then attended the Alexander Military Academy in White Plains, New York and Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute. Joining Company F, 10th Infantry Regiment as a private, Johnson had advanced to sergeant by January 1885. From 1891 to 1894, he served as professor of military science at Mount Union College. Johnson's article was well-received and won the Silver Medal in the organization's annual awards program for original authorship of articles on military topics. In 1908 he was promoted to major and assigned to the 6th Infantry.

In 1910, Johnson was assigned as a student at the United States Army War College, from which he graduated in 1911. After graduation, Johnson was assigned as instructor and advisor for the New Jersey National Guard.

In 1914, Johnson took part in the United States occupation of Veracruz as commander of the 19th Infantry Regiment, and he remained in Mexico until the U.S. withdrawal in November. In August, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

World War I

In July 1916, Johnson was promoted to colonel as commander of the 5th Infantry Regiment.

In August 1917, he was promoted to brigadier general and assigned to command the 154th Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 77th Division. In late October 1918, Johnson was assigned to command the 158th Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 79th Division. He continued to serve until 1922, when he requested retirement. Johnson was fluent in Italian, one reason why he was highly regarded by the Italian government.

Awards Johnson's awards and decorations included the French Croix de Guerre to recognize his combat experience in World War I. In addition, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor (Officer) to recognize his wartime service.

Johnson died in Paris on October 14, 1923, as the result of complications while undergoing surgery. In 1930, the U.S. Congress passed legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at the highest rank they had held, and Johnson's brigadier general rank was posthumously restored.

Family In 1896, Johnson married Bessie Seaman in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They divorced in March 1915, and in July Mrs. Johnson married Army officer William M. Morrow. The Johnsons were the parents of three children – Elizabeth, Cornelia, and Evan.