Embracing and Challenging Tradition: A Memoir

by Harry B. Johnson

Overview

Born in Tip Top, Virginia, in 1940, Harry B. Johnson recounts childhood memories of being raised by grandparents, uncles and aunts after his father left the area and his mother was sent to a Tuberculosis hospital when he was two years old. She subsequently died there. Overcoming a difficult start in life, Harry recalls what it was like to achieve success as a high school and college basketball star during the Jim Crow Era. After college, Harry was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam and Germany on numerous assignments. Among many other awards, including the honored Ranger Tab, he was awarded The Bronze Star Medal and The Legion of Merit. He shares memories of Vietnam and his experiences as a Chief of Police and a Warden, often as the first African American to hold such positions, especially south of the Mason Dixie Line. Following an in-depth account of his military career, Harry describes his experience rising to become Head of Security for the World Bank. He also served as a senior contractor for the State Department. A poignant and honest reflection of Harry's life through eight memorable decades, this memoir imparts the wisdom of one who has been inducted into The History Makers. (https://www.thehistorymakers.org)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666288728
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	07/04/2021
Pages:	236
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Born in Tip Top, Virginia in 1940, Harry B. Johnson was raised by family members after the death of his mother and the absence of his father. He attended segregated schools in Bluefield, West Virginia and was the captain of the Genoa Junior High School and Park Central High School basketball teams, which won state championships. He received a basketball scholarship to play at Morgan State University in Baltimore, and there was twice named to the prestigious Central Collegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Conference All-Star Teams. He was inducted into the Morgan State University Hall of Fame for both his athletic and military exploits and into the Black West Virginia Hall of Fame for his life-time achievements. Harry achieved high military ranking as a Lieutenant Colonel and served in Vietnam and Germany. At the Pentagon, he was in charge of the army’s corrections program (prisons and stockades). Later, he held one of the highest staff positions in Headquarters Department of The Army Personnel Center, overlooking senior Army officer assignments to the top organizations in Washington D.C. Those assignments included The White House, Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Office of The Secretary of Defense. After his successful military career, he became Head of Security for The World Bank. Harry now enjoys retirement at his mountain-top home in Hedgesville, West Virginia.