thayer
(USA, Retired, USMA 1969)
Expertise
Military history, American Revolution, Hudson River Valley, staff rides
Experience
Dr. Johnson has over 50 years of leadership experience with a 30-year career in the U.S. Army. He served in leadership assignments both in the U.S., Germany, and the Republic of Korea, to include teaching as a member of the History faculty at the United States Military Academy for 14 years, the Naval War College for 1 year as an Army Fellow, and Marist College for 20 years. He was a staff officer for three battalions, field army (U. S. Army, Europe), and Headquarters, Department of the Army (Speechwriter, Chief of Staff, U.S. Army). He commanded two field artillery batteries, one in Germany and the other in the Republic of Korea.
Jim has led staff rides of West Point and Fort Montgomery for Thayer Leadership and many other organizations. While on active duty, he also led staff rides in the United States, Germany, Belgium, and the Czech Republic for Commanders, U.S. Army, Europe, 1st Infantry Division, 3rd Infantry Division, 78th Training Division, 7th Army Training Command, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
Scholarly Work/Publications/Awards
Dr. Johnson has authored, edited, or compiled four books: Key to the Northern Country: The Hudson River Valley in the American Revolution, America’s First River: The History and Culture of the Hudson River Valley, Militiamen, Rangers, and Redcoats: The Military in Georgia, 1754-1776, and Works of the Thirtieth Chief of Staff, United States Army (John A. Wickham, Jr.). He has written articles and book reviews in an array of academic, historical, and military publications. Jim has received numerous awards including the U.S. Army’s Legion of Merit with OLC, French Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Academiques, and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Medal of Honor and History Award,, and Fellowship in the New York Academy of History.
Education
PhD, History, Duke University, Durham, NC
MA, History, Duke University, Durham, NC
MA, National Security and Strategic Studies, Naval War College, Newport, RI
BS, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY
Organizations
Constitution Island Association
National Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association
Phi Alpha Theta
Phi Kappa Phi
Society for Military History
Friends of the American Revolution at West Point
Leadership Quote
"Most important things leaders do: 1) accomplish the mission 2) take care of their people"
Colonel James M. Johnson, Ph.D.
Related Publications
Related Blog Posts
Great Captains of History: Inspiration to Guide Corporate SuccessThe Value of Staff Rides