On the recordMarch 22, 2018
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Arkansas native Rudy Johnson. Former Private Rudy Johnson will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock this Friday, 73 years after he was killed in action during World War II. Private Johnson was drafted into the Army in 1943 and was assigned to the 93nd Division, nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers and the only African- American division to see combat in Europe during World War II. Rudy was stationed in northern Italy, fighting against German forces when his unit reported that he was killed in action in 1945 at the age of 20. Private Johnson's remains were finally identified after DNA analysis in 2016, and he was flown home this week to rest where his journey began. Rudy's sacrifice for Arkansas and America will never be forgotten, and I join his family and all Arkansans in welcoming him back home for his final rest. ____________________
