A wave of bipartisan pride is sweeping through the Capital Region as state lawmakers unite behind a bill that would rename the Patroon Island Bridge in Albany after Sergeant Henry Johnson — a hometown hero whose extraordinary bravery during World War I earned him a place in American history.

According to the New York State Senate and NEWS10 ABC, legislators from both sides of the aisle are urging passage of the bill, reflecting a shared desire to give lasting, public recognition to one of Albany’s most celebrated sons. The push to rename the bridge after Sgt. Johnson is a meaningful way to ensure that future generations traveling across the Capital Region are reminded of his remarkable legacy every single day.

Henry Johnson was an Albany native who served with the 369th Infantry Regiment — famously known as the Harlem Hellfighters — during World War I. He became one of the first Americans to receive France’s highest military honor, the Croix de Guerre with Gold Palm, after single-handedly fighting off a large German raiding party and rescuing a fellow soldier while severely wounded. Decades later, his valor was formally recognized at home when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

Renaming the Patroon Island Bridge would give Albany a permanent, visible tribute to a man who embodied courage and sacrifice. The bridge, which spans the Hudson River and carries thousands of commuters and visitors each year, would serve as a daily reminder of Johnson’s enduring impact on the city and the nation.

The bipartisan nature of the effort speaks volumes about how widely Sgt. Johnson is admired across the community. When lawmakers from different parties come together around a shared sense of local pride and historical gratitude, it is a genuine cause for celebration in Albany. Residents and history enthusiasts alike are encouraged to follow the bill’s progress as it moves through the state legislature.

Sources: The New York State Senate (.gov), NEWS10 ABC