JOHN ALEXANDER JOHNSON, JR. (1914-1944)
for whom Johnson Hall is named, was an outstanding graduate of the University of Hawai'i and a WW II war hero. Johnson was born in Los Angeles but moved to Hawai`i and attended Punahou School. He was active in UH student affairs, was captain of the football team in his senior year, and a member of the swim and soccer teams. After graduating from UH in 1935 with a degree in business and economics, Johnson worked as a manager with McBryde Sugar until he was called to active duty with the National Guard in 1940. He was one of the few non-Nisei members of the famous 100th Battalion. Johnson was killed in action during the Battle of Cassino, a pivotal and costly series of battles waged by Allied forces with the goal of breaking through German lines and seizing Rome.

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* Building a Rainbow (Hui o Students, 1983)