Remembering CPT LeGrand King “Legs” Johnson

LeGrand King “Legs” Johnson who served as a 101st Screaming Eagle in Fox Company, 502nd PIR, was born in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, on October 21, 1919. Exactly 103 years ago, to this day. He attended Reynolds High School in his hometown, graduating in 1937. He then studied Civil Engineering at North Carolina State College in Raleigh, graduating in 1941. During his time at college, he joined the R.O.T.C., becoming a cadet lieutenant colonel. On Sunday, November 2, 1941, he married Lesbia Virginia “Petey” Graham in Cartersville, Georgia. 

Military service and first combat actions 

Prior to his marriage, he was called into active service in July 1941 and was first stationed with the 24th Infantry at Fort Benning. He then went to the Army Command School in San Antonio, Texas, after which he volunteered for the paratroopers in February 1942. Legs Johnson became a platoon commander within Fox Company and after leading his men through all the Stateside training he traveled with them to England in September 1943. By the time the company jumped into Normandy, Legs had become their company commander and he led them successfully through the chaos and havoc of D-Day as well as the rest of the Normandy campaign. His exceptional leadership shown in Normandy during the battle at Carentan of June 13 was acknowledged with the bestowment of a Silver Star Medal. At the time, he had just been promoted to captain as of July 9, 1944. 

Severely wounded 

When Fox Company made their second combat jump in the Netherlands on September 17, Legs was again leading his men from the front. His drive and compassion to be with his men when it mattered almost killed him when he was wounded during the Battle for Best. The bullet that struck his head when he was transported to an aid station blew off the back of his head, destroying his optic nerve. He was left in “the dead pile” as the surgeon expected he could not do anything for him. It was SGT Charles Dohun who saved his life, forcing the surgeon at gunpoint to change his mind. It was an offer “he could not refuse.” 

Post military life 

Six weeks later, Legs Johnson regained consciousness in an English hospital, with a steel plate in his head, deaf, blind, and unable to speak. As he needed long-term care, Legs was sent back to the States. Because of his severe wounds, he was medically retired after the war. That did not mean Legs was taken aback and accepted his physical disabilities. He was known for his “get-it-done” attitude and efficiency. Legs Johnson first worked as an estimator for a cement company and then as a safety man for Roadway Express, Inc. As manager of the Chicago terminal, the firm’s biggest and busiest, he solved the high theft problems at no cost by having drivers park their rigs back-to-back. In 1964, Ryder Truck Lines hired him. Later, he would become their regional vice-president, based out of Jacksonville.  

Retirement 

Legs Johnson retired eventually as President and Chairman of the Board. A brain scan in the nineties showed that the left side of his brain had been destroyed on that almost fatal day of September 19, 1944. Despite his disabilities, it never hampered Legs in life. He was always positive and enjoyed the time he had with his wife and two children, Bill and Katharine, and with his grandchildren. LeGrand King “Legs” Johnson passed away on February 18, 2005, with the love of his life, Petey at his side. Another 101st Screaming Eagle had soared away.