Johnson, Harold K. (Harold Keith), 1912-1983

Harold Keith Johnson (1912-1983) was an Army officer and Army Chief of Staff during the Johnson administration. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 1933, served in World War II and the Korean War, and rose to the rank of general. He served as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army from July 3, 1964 to July 2, 1968, and supervised the Army during the major expansion and deployments of the Vietnam War. He retired from active service in July 1968.

From the description of Johnson, Harold K. (Harold Keith), 1912-1983 (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration). naId: 10570812

Harold Keith Johnson was a United States Army officer who, following his graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1933, served in numerous infantry regiments including assignments with the 3rd Infantry (Old Guard), and the 28th Infantry. During World War II, Johnson served with the 57th Infantry (Phillippines Scouts) where he became a prisoner of war (POW) of the Japanese and participated in the Bataan Death March. After his return to the United States, he attended the Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and the Armed Forces Staff College. During the Korean War, he served with the 1st Provisional Infantry Division, before transferring to the 1st Cavalry Division where he served with the 5th and 8th Cavalry Regiments. From 1960 to 1963, Johnson served as the Commandant, Command and General Staff College before transferring to Washington, D.C. to become the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations (DCSOPS). On 3 July 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Johnson the Army Chief of Staff (AC of S). Despite bitter disagreement with President Johnson's administration over the United States's policies in Vietnam, Johnson served four years as Chief of Staff. Johnson retired from military service in 1968. He died on 24 September 1983 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

From the description of Harold K. Johnson collection, 1931-1978 (bulk 1964-1968). (US Army, Mil Hist Institute). WorldCat record id: 60694909