Johnson, J. Monroe (John Monroe), 1878-1964

Veteran of the 42nd Infantry Division, AKA the Rainbow Divsion, which served as part of the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I; Johnson was appointed Major in the First Battalion of the 117th Engineer Regiment before the unit's departure from South Carolina. The 42nd arrived in France in November 1917; Johnson later served in various positions with the Federal government, 1935-1956, chiefly in offices involving transportation and commerce; native of Marion, S.C.; attended University of South Carolina and Furman University, 1895-1897.

John Monroe Johnson was born in Marion, S.C., in 1878 and attended the University of South Carolina and Furman University. He served in the Spanish-American War and was the chief engineer of the Rainbow (42nd) Division during World War I. In 1940, Johnson was appointed to the Interstate Commerce Commission, a position he held until 1956. During World War II, he served as director of the Office of Defense Transportation and was awarded the Medal of Merit for his service by President Truman in 1946. Johnson died in Marion, S.C., in 1964.

Mr. P.M. Johnson is a local church historian.

Engineer.

Johnson served as Assistant Secretary of Commerce, 1935-1940, Director of the Office of Defense Transportation, 1944-1949, and member of the Interstate Commerce Commission, 1940-1956.

John Monroe Johnson was a native of Marion, S.C.; attended the University of South Carolina and Furman University; acting Color Sergeant in the Heavy Battery, S.C. Volunteer Artillery, 5 May-9 Oct. 1898. Following the Spanish-American War, established the engineering firm of Johnson and Roberts in Marion, S.C.

Appointed Major of the First Battalion of the 117th Engineer Regiment on 5 Aug. 1917, prior to leaving S.C.; promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on 29 April 1918, and to Colonel and Chief Engineer of the 42nd Division on 16 Oct. 1918. Discharged on 4 June 1919. Assistant Secretary of Commerce, June 1935-1939. President of the American Society of Military Engineers, 1940 and 1941. Head of the Bureau of Service while serving on the Interstate Commerce Commission, 1940-1949. Director of the Office of Defense Transportation, April 1944-1949. Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission 1949-1950 and 1953-1956. Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal on 28 Aug. 1929 and Medal of Merit on 8 Mar. 1946. Other decorations included the Legion of Honor of France and the Order of Leopold II of Belgium. Died in Marion, S.C. on 1 July 1964.