 Allyn D. Johnson – Private First Class to Technical Sergeant.
Served with distinction in the Hq1 Battalion Headquarters Section as Battalion Clerk and later Battalion Sergeant Major.
Allyn Johnson is a classic example of the “Great-est of the Greatest Generation.” He was a courageous soldier, magnificent leader, outstanding reliable man, and cherished comrade. He per-formed heroically in combat with diligence and dedication always striving for excellence.
Allyn Johnson was born October 5, 1923 in Fargo, ND. On March 17, 1943 he joined the Army and was assigned to the newly formed 527th Armored Infantry Battalion at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After basic and unit training, the 527th battalion participated as a demonstration unit for armored groups.
In October 1943, Allyn was sent to communications school and qualified as a voice and Morse code radio operator. In May 1944, Allyn volunteered for Airborne School training, and on July 1, 1944, at Fort Benning, Georgia, he proudly pinned on the coveted parachute wings.
After a short furlough, Allyn spent the remaining summer months in the replacement stream.
On September 19, 1944, Allyn arrived in Nottingham, England assign-ed to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The regiment had parachuted into Holland on September 17, and rear detachment personnel received Allyn at the base camp. On November 11, 1944 the 508th PIR was relieved from Holland and moved into a French Artillery Post in Sissonne, France.
Allyn Johnson says. “We replacements were happy to move to Sissonne from England and to join the 508th PIR. We were quickly assigned to units. I was assigned to a rifle squad in Company B. However, in December I was transferred to the Hq1 Battalion Staff Section as a battalion clerk.
A few days later, we were in combat in the largest most costly land battle fought in Europe during WW II, the ‘Battle of the Bulge.” During that campaign, I witnessed an act of compassion that emphasizes the bond of love and respect that prevailed among our officers and enlisted men. | 
