CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Representatives with Clarksville High School, as well as the VFW, unveiled the newest Tennessee Historical Marker for Howard “Smiley” Johnson on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Whataburger on Madison Street.

While Johnson was born in Nashville, he was raised right here in Clarksville at Odd Fellows Orphanage. After graduating from Clarksville High School, Johnson played college football for the University of Georgia, as well as professional football with the Green Bay Packers, before enlisting in the Marine Corps in 1940 following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Cynthia Pitts gies the Invocation at The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Mo Ebrahim, David Robbins, Courtney Vick, and Maddie Robbins of Whataburger at The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
State Senator Bill Powers and City Mayor Joe Pitts at The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Mr. Van N. Canuto speaking at The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
Thomas Murff speaking at The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)
The Howard White “Smiley” Johnson Tennessee Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. August 31, 2024. (Jeff Danault)

In 1944, Johnson fought in WWII at the Battle of Kwajalein, where he earned his first Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry. A year later, Johnson was killed in action at Iwo Jima and was awarded a second Silver Star posthumously.

Following his death in 1945, the Howard “Smiley” Johnson VFW Post 4895 was instituted in Clarksville, located at 1701 Haynes Street.

Christian Brown contributed to this report.

Clarification: Representatives with Clarksville High and the VFW helped bring this historical marker to the community.