Known affectionately as “Rookie Sam Johnson,” Brigadier General Samuel I. Johnson was a driving force behind the expansion and organization of the National Guard of Hawaii during the preparedness movement leading up to World War I. A Russian-born military man with a background in the Hawaiian Guard, Johnson spearheaded a campaign that swelled the Guard’s ranks from fewer than 1,000 men to over 5,000 in just one year. He was tireless in his efforts, often personally encouraging enlistments and ensuring training and organization were maintained across the islands. His ability to motivate others was key to preparing Hawaii for its wartime responsibilities.
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