Compton Honors WWII Veterans at Black History Month Celebration
By Marion Apio
Photography by Doug Allen and Charles Jackson
Dozens gathered in Compton on Feb. 28 to honor two military heroes whose ultimate sacrifice still resonates decades after the war.
The event, held in honor of Black History Month, centered on the lives and military service of Staff Sergeant Clifford E. Johnson, 107 years old, and Private First Class Clifford L. Johnson, 98 years old, two World War II Army veterans.
Despite the passage of eight decades since the end of the war, the ceremony emphasized that the sacrifices made by African American soldiers remain a cornerstone of the city’s identity.
The ceremony began with a presentation of citations and certificates from the Howard Martin Richardson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5394, where the ceremony was held.
Miguel Vasquez, the post’s past commander, said the awards were an expression of sincere appreciation and full praise for the patriotism rendered by the two men in support of the nation.
He noted that the certificates served as a witness to their faithful military service and selfless commitment.
The VFW Auxiliary also played a prominent role in the proceedings. Auxiliary President Tracy Lewis Ventress presented Certificates of Appreciation for unwavering support and uncommon heroism.
“We should celebrate Black History Month for 365 days of the year, not just for 28 days. We should keep people knowledgeable of our ancestors who paved the way for us today,” Ventress said.
Ventress said the patriotism of both Clifford E. Johnson and Clifford L. Johnson is deeply commended by the national organization.
A separate certificate from the VFW Department of California was also presented, stating that a grateful nation remembers the courage of those who served during the Second World War, specifically highlighting that seldom have so many sacrificed as much for their country.
Compton Mayor Emma Sharif attended the event to deliver personal recognition from the city.
While presenting certificates of recognition, the mayor said the City Council recognizes the profound contributions of African American service members who defended freedom while facing significant adversity at home.
The certificates were signed by Sharif and council members Deidre Duhart, Andre Spicer, Jonathan Bowers, and Lillie Darden.
State Senator Laura Richardson’s office provided further accolades, delivered by Patricia Cooper, a member of the VFW Auxiliary.
Cooper read certificates from the 35th District of the California State Legislature, which congratulated the men for their outstanding leadership in the United States Army.
Public safety agencies also participated in the tribute including Fire Captain David Delgado and a crew from the Compton Fire Department, led by Engineer Gary Gualbo and several firefighters and paramedics who stood in solidarity with the veterans.
Assemblymember Mike Gibson said he felt a sense of reverence standing before the two heroes and shared a personal anecdote about his own father, a World War II Army veteran and truck driver from Texas.
Gibson said he keeps his father’s dog tags and on such occasions like during veteran celebrations, they are a source of pride. He told the honorees that the community is grateful to give them their “flowers” while they are here to receive them, noting that because of their sacrifices, Americans can sleep in peace.
Retired LA County Sheriff’s Chief Eric Strong, a Marine Corps veteran, addressed the specific historical context of the honorees’ service.
Strong said the men helped free the world only to return to a segregated country where they often could not use the same bathrooms or stay in the same hotels as the people they fought alongside.
The ceremony concluded with acknowledgements of the “village” required to organize such an event in commemoration of Black History Month, especially in such devastating times.
David Fisher, owner of Anakie’s Broiler, sponsored the gathering, while organizers thanked local stores, media and the community for joining in great numbers.
The crowd also paused to offer well-wishes for Letia Sattle, a veteran with the National Association of Black Military Women LA Chapter, founded by the original members of the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only African American women’s unit to serve overseas during World War II.
“6888 members served in the military but realized that their stories were not being told. This is why Black history is important to make sure that we tell America’s story completely,” Sattle said.
This special event was organized and co-hosted by long-time Compton resident Marbella Allen and her husband, Doug Allen. Her organization, Youth & Beyond Collaboration, along with Black Gold Entertainment, partnered with the VFW to initiate a special recognition for Black History Month, celebrating these remarkable American veterans. With the support of her Board of Trustees, including Ebony Hill, Attorney Nia Allen, and Doug Allen Jr., they worked together to make this event a tremendous success.
