Career
Johnston joined the Army from Colchester, Connecticut, and by February 17, 1944 was serving as a private first class in Company G, 180th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division. On that day and the following day, near Padiglione, Italy, he manned his machine gun without rest, twice staying behind to cover his unit"s withdrawal. Although seriously wounded on February 18, he continued to man his gun until being overrun by German forces.
He was able to make his way back to friendly lines on the 19th and provided valuable information on German positions.
Johnston left the Army while still a private first class. He died at age 71 and was buried in the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown, Connecticut.
A section of Connecticut Route 16 between Colchester and Lebanon is named in his honor, as is Colchester"s public middle school.
