Howard Johnson (American football)

Howard White "Smiley" Johnson (September 22, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a professional American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He played the 1937, 1938 and 1939 college football seasons at the University of Georgia before joining the Green Bay Packers for the 1940 and 1941 seasons.[1] He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served with I Company, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines of the 4th Marine Division through the battles of Kwajalein, Saipan (earning a Silver Star), and Tinian.[2] On February 19, 1945, 1st Lieutenant Johnson was killed in action at the Battle of Iwo Jima, and awarded a second Silver Star posthumously. He was buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 2, 1949.[3]

Howard Johnson

Marines gather around the sign denoting the dedication of Smiley Johnson Field on Maui.
Born:	(1916-09-22)September 22, 1916 Murfreesboro, Tennessee, United States
Died:	February 19, 1945(1945-02-19) (aged 28) Iwo Jima, Bonin Islands, Japanese Empire
Career information
Position(s)	Guard
College	Georgia
Career history
As player
1940–1941	Green Bay Packers
Military career
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	First Lieutenant
Unit	Marine Division 23rd Marines
Battles/wars	World War II Pacific War Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign Battle of Kwajalein Mariana and Palau Islands campaign Battle of Saipan Battle of Tinian Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign Battle of Iwo Jima  †
Awards	2x Silver Star

1st Lieutenant Howard W. Johnson, USMC

References

1. "Battlefield heroes: Smiley Johnson". Cold, Hard Football Facts. May 24, 2007. Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
2. Lawrence, Dave (March 4, 2005). "New HOF Display Honors Packers War Hero". Green Bay Packers. Archived from the original on 2008-10-13. Retrieved 16 January 2010.
3. Howard Write Johnson at Find a Grave