Bipartisan Push for Bill Renaming Capital Region Bridge after Hometown Hero Sgt. Henry Johnson
July 15, 2026
Legislation, which passed Senate and Assembly, would rename Patroon Island Bridge after Sgt. Henry Johnson
ALBANY, N.Y. – Today, Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany), Senator Jake Ashby (R, C—Castleton), Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh (D—Cohoes), and Assemblymember Gabriella Romero (D—Albany) were joined by the 369th ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ Veterans Association, Albany Chapter and community leaders to urge Governor Hochul to sign their legislation (S.8440 Fahy/A.8897 McDonald) renaming the Capital Region’s Patroon Island Bridge in honor of national Medal of Honor Recipient Sergeant Henry Johnson on his birthday (July 15).
This push follows President Trump’s announcement last year that the Department of Defense would revert Fort Johnson in Leesville, Louisiana back to its original name, Fort Polk. Prior to 2023, the base was originally named for Leonidas Polk, a Confederate general. The base was renamed to Fort Johnson in 2023 as part of a bipartisan commission recommendation to rename bases that previously honored Confederate generals and the Confederate States of America.
While the base has been renamed to honor Gen. James H. Polk, who was awarded the Silver Star "for his gallantry in action as commanding officer of the 3rd Cavalry Group (Mechanized) during operations across Europe in World War II,” the use of the same surname and its proximity to the original is troubling.
Sgt. Henry Johnson, an infantryman from Albany, first enlisted in 1917 with the segregated, all-black 15th New York National Guard Regiment, ultimately becoming the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment, aka the ‘Harlem Hellfighters’. While on duty in France’s Argonne Forest in May 1918, Sgt. Johnson and a fellow soldier came under attack by a German raiding party of at least a dozen men. Despite being outnumbered, Johnson fought until his rifle ran out of ammunition, then using it as a club before resorting to a bolo knife in hand-to-hand combat. During the encounter, Johnson suffered 21 injuries but managed to prevent his wounded comrades from being captured.
For decades, efforts by historians, Black veterans, and New York lawmakers spearheaded by Senator Chuck Schumer sought to ensure that Johnson’s extraordinary bravery was properly acknowledged; recognition long denied due to racial discrimination. It wasn’t until 1996 that he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for the severe injuries he sustained in combat. In 2002, he received the Distinguished Service Cross, and in 2015, after nearly a century of advocacy, Johnson was finally honored with the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, the nation's highest military award.
Patroon Island Bridge is named for the former Patroon Island in the Hudson River, a nod to Dutch patroons; landholders with manorial rights to large tracts of land in the 17th-century Dutch colony of New Netherland. Patroons were entitled to the acquisition of enslaved labor by the Dutch West India Company's Rights and Exemptions Charter. Patroons, often the wealthiest and most influential residents of New Netherland, procured and exploited enslaved people in almost every part of the colony, but a majority of the enslaved population remained near New Amsterdam (New York City), and farther north, centered around Fort Orange (Albany) and Rensselaerswyck (Rensselaer County).
Moreover, patroons were essentially the only colonists in New Netherland to engage in the procurement of enslaved people and the slave trade. This legislation seeks to establish a new, more appropriate name, one that honors a part of local history all Capital Region residents can be proud of; hometown hero and Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Henry Johnson.
“On his birthday no less, renaming the Capital Region’s Patroon Island Bridge on I-90 in honor of Sgt. Henry Johnson is long overdue recognition for a true American hero, our own Harlem Hellfighter, and one of Albany’s most courageous sons,” said bill sponsor Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Where the federal government seeks to erase Sgt. Johnson’s extraordinary bravery on the battlefield and the continuing injustice he faced at home, the Capital Region will continue to step up and ensure he receives the recognition he deserves. This legislation and change will ensure his legacy endures; not only as a soldier, but as a symbol of resilience, honor, and in the continuing fight for racial justice not just here in New York State, but across the country.”
Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, "I am proud to sponsor the legislation to rename the Patroon Island Bridge in honor of our local and national hero, Sgt. Henry Johnson. For decades, our community has fought to ensure Sgt. Johnson received the recognition he deserved for his extraordinary bravery, resulting in the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, and Distinguished Service Cross. Theodore Roosevelt once called Sgt. Johnson 'one of the five bravest American soldiers in World War I,' yet his remarkable service went largely unrecognized during his lifetime. Although many of the injustices he endured can never be undone, we can ensure his legacy is honored here in the Capital Region. Renaming this gateway bridge is a fitting tribute to a man whose courage, sacrifice, and service continue to inspire us all. I am grateful that this legislation has now passed both the Assembly and Senate, bringing us one step closer to permanently honoring Sgt. Henry Johnson."
"This would be a lasting tribute to an American hero. I'm urging the governor to sign this bill and commemorate a legacy of courage and character. Sgt. Henry Johnson will continue to inspire us for generations to come," said Senator Jake Ashby.
“Sergeant Henry Johnson is one of Albany’s greatest heroes, and his courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to his fellow soldiers deserve to be remembered for generations to come,” said Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero (D, WFP-Albany, Guilderland, New Scotland. “At a time when the federal government is rolling back efforts to teach and preserve Black history, New York has a responsibility to tell the full story of our nation’s past and honor heroes like Sergeant Henry Johnson, whose legacy deserves to be seen, remembered, and celebrated. Renaming the Patroon Island Bridge in his honor ensures that every person who crosses it is reminded of the extraordinary legacy of an Albany son who fought not only for our country, but for the ideals of courage, service, and justice. The Legislature has done its part by passing this bipartisan legislation, and I urge Governor Hochul to sign it into law so Sergeant Henry Johnson receives the lasting recognition he has long deserved.”
“Sergeant Henry Johnson's story is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. He represents the very best of our community and our country's highest ideals. Renaming the Patroon Island Bridge in his honor ensures that every person who crosses the Hudson is reminded of a local hero whose legacy deserves to be celebrated for generations to come. I want to thank Senator Fahy, Senator Ashby, Assemblymember McDonald, Assemblymember Romero, and all of our partners for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this legislation, and I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy.
“Sergeant Henry Johnson embodies the very best of Albany and our nation" said Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs, "His extraordinary courage on the battlefield and relentless defense of his fellow soldiers earns him a permanent place in our city's history. Despite serving with fierce bravery, Sergeant Johnson returned home to an all-too-familiar challenge; a country that long denied him proper recognition due to racial discrimination. Renaming the Patroon Island Bridge in his honor is a powerful way to ensure that one of Albany's greatest heroes is recognized every day by the hundreds of thousands of people who cross it. I want to thank Senator Fahy, Senator Ashby, Assemblymember Romero, and Assemblymember McDonald for their bipartisan leadership in advancing this legislation, and I encourage Governor Hochul to sign it into law. Sgt. Henry Johnson's legacy deserves to be carried forward for generations to come.”
“The 369th Veterans Association, Albany District proudly stands with our legislative leaders in full support of renaming the Patroon Island Bridge as the Sgt. Henry Johnson Memorial Bridge,” said Kimberly Bobb of the 369th ‘Harlem Hellfighters’ Veterans Association, Albany District. “This designation reflects the profound courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Sergeant Henry Johnson — a hero whose bravery and valor continues to inspire generations across New York and the nation. Sgt. Johnson’s extraordinary bravery, recognized with the Medal of Honor, represents the very best of American service. Honoring him with this bridge renaming ensures that his story remains visible, celebrated, and permanently woven into the fabric of our community. The 369th Veterans Association commends the bipartisan leadership that advanced this legislation and looks forward to its enactment. No one is more deserving of this honor.”
“Renaming the Patroon Island Bridge after Sgt. Henry Johnson is more than symbolic—it’s a stand for truth,” said Jackie Jones, Gulf War veteran and Commander of North Albany American Legion Post 1610. “He was an Albany hero who gave his all on foreign soil, only to be denied recognition at home. This bridge will not just carry cars—it will carry his legacy. We owe him that much. At the very least.”
“Sergeant Henry Johnson’s heroism in defense of his country and of his fellow soldiers stands as one of the most remarkable acts of courage in our nation’s history,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “His story of bravery, integrity, and resilience serves as a shining example not only to Albany residents, but to us all — which is why I’ve led the charge in Congress to ensure that Sgt. Johnson’s legacy lives on as an inspiration for future generations. But with the Trump administration’s efforts to erase his story of battlefield bravery and to whitewash the discrimination he faced at home, that legacy is now under threat. By renaming the Patroon Island Bridge in honor of this outstanding son of Albany, we can help ensure that more than a century after his time in uniform, the values he embodied will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
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