Latest news with #WilliamHenryJohnson
American Press
11-07-2025
- Politics
- American Press
Two years after switch, Fort Polk's name returns
Fort Polk's name is being changed back to Fort Polk after previously being renamed to Fort Johnson. This decision reverses the 2023 renaming which honored Sgt. William Henry Johnson, a World War I hero. The base will now be named after Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. (Ashlyn Little / American Press) Fort Johnson — which was named after World War I Sgt. William Henry Johnson — was renamed Fort Polk on Friday. This time, however, it's named after a different Polk. 'We do not erase history, but build upon it,' said Chaplain Col. John V. Ijeoma as he opened the dedication ceremony. 'Today with this new name and new identity we embrace the future. May this redesignation reflect a spirit of unity, dignity and purpose.' The Leesville base was initially named for Confederate Gen. Leonidas Polk but was renamed after Johnson in 2023 during the Joe Biden administration. The recent renaming — ordered by President Donald Trump — reverses the change with the base now honoring Gen. James H. Polk, a Silver Star recipient from World War II. Polk served more than 38 years in the Army. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1933 and began his career in the Cavalry. He would later became a pioneer in mechanized warfare. He served with distinction in World War II as the commander of the 3rd Mechanized Cavalry Group, leading reconnaissance operations across France and Germany during the Allied advance. He was awarded the Silver Star, among numerous other decorations. He proceeded to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and later became the commander of U.S. Army Europe, helping to strengthen NATO's defensive posture during the height of the Cold War. Among Polk's family members in attendance for Friday's renaming ceremony were son James H. Polk III, daughter Josephine 'Jody' Polk-Schwartz, sister Ann Polk Talbot and grandsons Johnathan Schwartz III and James Polk Schwartz. A portrait of Polk, unveiled by his family, will be centered under the entranceway to the JRTC and Fort Polk headquarters building. 'To be here today is, of course, a special occasion,' his son told attendees. 'We know he would be extremely proud and honored as we are to have this historic Army post and training area named after him. His dedication and service to our country and his patriotism has always been an inspiration to our family and to all who knew him. Indeed, our admiration for his life and accomplishments in the U.S. Army have continued to increase since his death over 30 years ago. The span of his career and the great events of the 20th century that he witnessed and participated in is truly remarkable.' Polk met his future wife, Josephine 'Joy' Polk, in 1933. 'By his side and through it all — after 28 moves and 55 years of marriage — was our mother, Josephine 'Joy' Polk. She was an exemplary Army wife, always with him, always supporting to her utmost in his various rolls in commands. We would like to pay tribute to her today. There's no doubt our father's Army career would not have succeeded without her support and I know she'd be very proud of this event today,' he said. 'We'd also like to honor the legacy and spirit of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and his heroic record in World War I,' he continued. 'We know that our father would want and expect that Sgt. Johnson continue to be remembered at Fort Polk by the U.S. Army as the great hero that he was.' Polk said his father was a great student of history and would quote Shakespeare. His father also had several inspiring sayings of his own and one that continues to stay with his son is, 'Don't take counsel of your fears.' This quote is sometimes hard to live up to, Polk admitted, and said it highlights his father's positive approach to life as a military man of action. 'He was always stepping up and moving ahead no matter what the challenge was ahead.' Brigadier General Jason A. Curl said since its establishment in 1941, Fort Polk has been a cornerstone of Army readiness, where soldiers have honed their skills and prepared for the demands of combat. Curl said the story of Johnson — a member of the legendary Harlem Hellfighters who 'exemplified valor beyond measure' — 'demands to be told.' 'Sgt. Johnson in May 1918 armed with little more than courage, a rifle and a bolo knife, single handedly repelled a German raiding party and saved his soldiers' lives,' Curl said. 'His sacrifice in service resonated across decades, inspiring soldiers of every generation to embody what we call uncommon valor. In naming this installation after him, we ensured that every soldier who trains here understands that readiness is built on grit, determination and courage to do what's right — even when no one is watching.' Curl said the installation post exchange will now bear Johnson's name and the soldier will 'remain a living part of our history and the strength of character of those who served.' 'The legacies of Sgt. William Henry Johnson and Gen. James H. Polk reminds us that greatness is never given, it is earned through character, commitment and the relentless pursuit of excellence,' Curl said. 'May this installation forever stand as a testament to their courage, their leadership and their devotion to country.' The total cost of renaming Fort Polk was less than $300,000, Curl said.
1News
11-06-2025
- 1News
'No immediate concerns' for missing US student
Investigators say there are now "no immediate concerns" for a 24-year-old American aviation student who was reported missing. Investigators New Zealand shared an update this afternoon into the ongoing search for William Henry Johnson. "Following extensive investigations and recent developments, we now have no immediate concerns for William's physical safety or wellbeing." "While we cannot release specific details at this time, information received during the investigation indicates that William appears to be safe." The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Austrian school shooting, Kiwisaver deadline, and Warriors injury worry. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT A spokesperson said the investigation remained active and the team would continue to work with New Zealand Police to bring this matter to a resolution.
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- RNZ News
Will Johnson's disappearance 'traumatising' for family
Will Johnson who has not been heard from for a week. Photo: Supplied Private investigators trying to find a US aviation student missing for more than a week are filtering through tips they've received that could shed light on his whereabouts. Massey University student William Henry Johnson, known as Will, was last seen in Palmerston North between 30 May and 1 June. The 24-year-old's last communication with family was on 5 June and he has not responded to any attempts to contact him since. His parents have hired private investigators to find him, and on Tuesday Mike Gillam, of The Investigators New Zealand, publicly appealed for information and sightings. He told RNZ on Wednesday investigators had received information that potentially confirmed a sighting of Johnson in the central North Island. "We do want to hear from anyone with information that could be beneficial," he said. "A lot of the time is spent filtering through and sorting what may be a priority and what may be historic and not of interest to our timeline. "Certainly, we've appreciated the public outreach and there are a number of lines of inquiry that we're looking into." William Henry Johnson. Photo: Supplied Johnson's mother was arriving in New Zealand from Seattle this morning. Gillam said her arrival in Palmerston North would be key, allowing her to speak with police and staff at Massey. There were no search parties in place at this stage, as more specific information would be needed, although aerial searches were under consideration. Johnson was last seen in the Takaro area of Palmerston North. Gillam said his disappearance was "really traumatising" for his family, who were distraught. His company had three investigators working on the matter full time. On Tuesday, Gillam said it was out of character for Johnson not to have contact with his family for such a period of time. Johnson was known to make off-the-cuff trips to Auckland. Police have said they received a missing person report on 9 June. "Police have made a number of various area inquiries in possible locations of interest in the Palmerston North area," a spokeswoman said today. "We would encourage William, or anyone who knows his whereabouts, to get in touch with police to confirm he is safe." Johnson drove a 2013 silver Mazda 6, registration MJK496, which was also missing and could provide leads to his whereabouts, Gillam said. He can be contacted on 027 299 7603. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
10-06-2025
- 1News
Appeal for info on missing 24-year-old student from US
Investigators are appealing for information about a 24-year-old American aviation student who was last seen in Palmerston North over a week ago. William Henry Johnson, known as Will to his friends and family, was last seen by friends between May 30 and June 1 in the Takaro area of Palmerston North. His last communication with family was on Thursday, June 5, and he has not responded to any contact attempts since. The 24-year-old American was enrolled in the aviation program at Massey University. His family from Seattle have retained The Investigators New Zealand to work alongside the official police investigation to find their son. ADVERTISEMENT Johnson's mother has travelled to New Zealand to assist with the search efforts. William Henry Johnson, a 24-year-old American aviation student. (Source: Supplied) Will drives a 2013 silver Mazda 6, registration MJK496, which is also missing and could provide crucial leads to his whereabouts. Director at The Investigators New Zealand Mike Gillam said his disappearance was "completely out of character". "This is a young man who maintained regular contact with his family and whose sudden silence has caused grave concern for his welfare. We are treating this as a high-priority investigation and urging anyone with information to come forward immediately." William Henry Johnson, a 24-year-old American aviation student. (Source: Supplied) The investigation team was conducting inquiries throughout the Palmerston North region and have since expanded to Auckland. ADVERTISEMENT The investigators are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen Johnson since May 30, or anyone with information about his possible whereabouts. "Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to the investigation," Gillam said. Police said they have received a missing persons report. They are making initial inquiries and gathering information.
RNZ News
10-06-2025
- RNZ News
US aviation student missing from Palmerston North
William Henry Johnson. Photo: Supplied Private investigators are concerned for the safety of a missing US aviation student, who vanished from Palmerston North over a week ago. Massey University student William Henry Johnson, known as Will to friends and family, was last seen by friends between 30 May and 1 June in the Takaro area. Private investigator Mike Gillam, of The Investigators New Zealand, said Johnson's last communication with his family was on 5 June. The 24-year-old had not responded to any attempts at contact since, and Johnson's family were very concerned for his well-being, Gillam said. "It's completely out of character for him to not have contact with them for this period of time, and from what we've observed we agree with that," he said. "We're really concerned because flatmates haven't seen him, and enquiries with the university etc, they're obviously treating it quite seriously as well." Gillam said a team of investigators were involved in the search around Palmerston North and also Auckland, where Johnson was known to make "off the cuff" trips to. "Will's mother is on the way over from Seattle in the States and we'll have boots on ground to assist her and navigate the police in Palmerston North and all that comes with that. We've got support wrapped around her in that respect," he said "The family is distraught and treating it really seriously." William Henry Johnson. Photo: Supplied Police said they received a missing person report for Johnson on 9 June, and officers were making initial enquiries and gathering information. Gillam said Johnson drove a 2013 silver Mazda 6, registration MJK496, which was also missing and could provide leads to his whereabouts. He said anyone with any information should get in touch immediately or call police with the reference number P062813346. Gillam said he could be reached on: 027 299 7603. Investigators were particularly focused on the timeline between 30 May and 1 June when Johnson was last seen by friends. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
