Today our walk was dedicated in honor of:
🇺🇸 Walking with Fallen Heroes — Major Charles D. Johnston 🇺🇸
Born May 26, 1918 — Killed in Action June 12, 1944
Today, we walked 7.50 miles in honor of Army Maj. Charles D. Johnston of Knoxville, Tennessee, a brave young officer who gave his life during World War II at just 26 years old.
Major Johnston served as the Executive Officer of Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. He was part of the American airborne forces who parachuted into Normandy during the D-Day invasion in June 1944.
His story is connected to the Battle of Graignes, France, a remarkable and tragic chapter of the Normandy campaign. American paratroopers found themselves fighting far from the main Allied landing areas. At Graignes, paratroopers of the 507th Regiment and other American forces fought to hold their position against German troops. French villagers helped the wounded and sheltered American soldiers, risking their own lives in the process.
The battle brought terrible consequences for both the soldiers and the French community. Yet the courage shown by those American paratroopers and the French civilians who stood beside them remains an important part of the story of Normandy.
Major Johnston was among those who never made it home.
He was the son of Charles Douglas Johnston and Kathryn D. Johnston. His father died during World War I in September 1918, before Charles would grow up to serve his own country. Charles was also raised by his uncle, W.C. Dum. He attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and was part of the generation that answered the call to serve during World War II.
Major Johnston was awarded the Purple Heart and is buried at Lynnhurst Cemetery in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Today, we carried his name with us as we walked through our community.
Our route took us past Holiday Hills Lake and toward town, where we stopped at Veterans Memorial Park. We then headed back toward Sparta Highway and walked into the Gardens before making our way home.
Along the way, we had the privilege of talking with so many wonderful people. We received 182 honks, and every honk, wave, salute, and conversation helped make this a special day of remembrance.
I want to thank everyone who took the time to acknowledge us and help honor Major Johnston. Your support means so much and reminds us that these heroes and their sacrifices still matter.
A special thank-you goes to Fallen Hero PFC Morgan Daly for helping us honor Major Johnston today.
Twenty-six years is far too short a life. Major Johnston’s story deserves to be remembered, shared, and passed on to future generations. He was one of the many brave Americans whose sacrifices helped secure freedom during World War II.
Today, we made sure his name was remembered here at home.
7.50 miles. 182 honks. One American hero honored.
🇺🇸 Army Maj. Charles D. Johnston, you gave your life in service to our country. You are not forgotten. 🇺🇸
We walk for those who can no longer walk among us.
#iWalk4Them #WalkingWithFallenHeroes #MajorCharlesDJohnston #82ndAirborne #BattleOfGraignes #Normandy1944 #NeverForgotten
