John Benjamin Johnson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Benjamin Lafayette Johnson and India Lydia Pinkston. His mother died during his childhood. John was the youngest of two children. His older brother Roy L. Johnson died in 1915 when he was 17 months old. His father married Nora Reagon and the couple had four children. James Victor Johnson, Carl. E. Johnson, Robert E. Johnson and Mary Elizabeth Johnson.
T/5 Johnson died non battle on May 7, 1945 in Chatelineau, Belgium. He served with the 4259 QMC Truck Company. He was initially buried at the American War Cemetery Neuville-en-Condrez in Belgium.
After the war, he was repatriated back to the United States and funeral services were held May 25, 1949, at Detroit Avenue Baptist Church. He was buried following the service at the US National Cemetery, Knoxville, A, 5702.
The Knoxville Journal, 25 May 1945
Cpl. John B. Johnson, 29-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben C. Johnson of Route 9, Knoxville, was killed in action in Belgium on May 7, V-E Day, the war department recently notified his parents.
Formerly a Knoxville defense plant employe, Cpl. Johnson entered service two years ago and was serving with a combat engineer outfit when killed. A former Knoxville Journal carrier, he had been overseas two years.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by two brothers in service, Pfc. Carl Johnson in New Mexico, and Pvt Robert Johnson in Maryland; one sister, Mary E. Johnson of Knoxville and another brother, James U. Johnson. His father has been employed by University of Tennessee for 25 years.
- Rank: Technician 5th Class
- Date of birth: 30 May 1916
- Date of death: 7 May 1945
- County: Knox
- Hometown: Knoxville
- Service Branch: Army/Army Air Forces
- Division/Assignment: 4259th QMC Truck Company
- Theater: Europe
- Conflict: World War II
- Burial/Memorial Location: Knoxville National Cemetery, Knoxville, TN
- Location In Memorial: Pillar XV, Top Panel
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