Today, we had an FNG who discovered F3 on his own. No EH was required! My heart is full because we discussed two of the many African – American fallen war heroes that are rarely acknowledged in the history of our country. Both of these African – American served our country and were not given Medals of Honor until 78 years or more after their death. Today, we paid homage to these two fallen war heroes.

Henry Johnson 
On May 14, 1918 in Champagne, France, Henry Johnson (Army) received 21 wounds while fighting against a 24-man German patrol in hand-to-hand combat. Miraculously, he survived the assault for another 11 years before succumbing to complications due to the injuries he received in action on July 1, 1929. Johnson was later buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Henry Johnson, originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina was referred to by Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (not the President, but his son) in 1919, as “one of the five bravest Americans to have served in World War I (WWI).”

When Johnson returned from France after recuperating, he was paid to share his experience in WWI as part in a touring lecture series. Over the years, there were several attempts to secure the Medal of Honor for his valor in battle, but each attempt failed for unknown reasons. In 2014, New York State Senator spearheaded a new campaign to recognize Johnson’s actions, resulting in the president posthumously (after the death) awarding Johnson the Medal of Honor in 2015.

Workout: 5 rounds of:

• • 5 Handstand Push Ups
  • 10 Pull Ups
  • 10 Jumping Squats
  • 20 Dips
  • Run to the stop sign and bear crawl back

Ruben Rivers
Ruben Rivers was an Army Staff Sergeant in the 761st Tank Battalion, a black tank battalion (aka, the “Black Panthers”), which served with distinction in Europe during World War II (WWII). When the United States entered WWII, Rivers and two of his brothers joined the military, though Rivers was the only one assigned to a combat unit. Rivers played a critical role in some of the earliest action his battalion would see. On November 8, 1944 Rivers and the 761st launched an attack on German combatants in northeastern France. The Germans got the drop on the 761st and Rivers quickly realized that following protocol would fail to give his unit the upper hand. So, “with utter disregard for his personal safety, Rivers courageously dismounted from his tank in the face of direct enemy fire, attached a cable to obstacles on the road and opened a path that permitted the combat team to proceed. His prompt action thus prevented a serious delay in the offensive action and was instrumental in the successful assault and liberation of Vic-sur-Seille, resulting in the battalion receiving its first Silver Star*.”

A little more than a week later, Rivers’ tank led the way as the battalion advanced towards German positions. When his group came under heavy fire, Rivers located a German anti-tank unit and, with one other tank, moved to fire on the area and cover the retreat. In the process, Rivers was fully exposed and as he was ordered back to cover, the Germans quickly concentrated their fire on his tank, killing Rivers instantly.

Sgt. Rivers received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions posthumously, but tragically not until nearly 78 years after his death in 1997.

Workout: 5 rounds of:

• • At each 5 yard line, to the 25th yard line of the following
  • 5 Burpees
  • 5 Bomb Jacks
  • Crab walk back

Peace,

Deacon