Smiley Johnson
Strength Facility
Howard “Smiley” Johnson was a Clarksville High graduate who excelled in multiple sports and went on to play football at the University of Georgia and Green Bay Packers. While with the Packers in 1941, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the U.S. into World War 2. Howard answered the call of duty and joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned a silver star for conspicuous gallantry at the Battle of Kwajalein in 1944. While fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima in Feb 1945, Howard was badly wounded by shrapnel from artillery fire. However, he denied medical attention until his men were treated first. Howard “Smiley” Johnson died of his injuries at 28 years old. For his bravery and selfless actions at Iwo Jima, he was posthumously awarded his second Silver Star. Howard embodied the ethos of what all Wildcat football players should aspire to be. The Howard “Smiley” Johnson Strength Facility is dedicated to his memory.