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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|UNSC|HCW}}
{{New content|[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]] and [[Halo: Silent Storm]]}}
{{Newcontent|[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]] and [[Halo: Silent Storm]]}}
{{References}}
{{References}}
{{Center|'''''Johnson''' redirects here. For other uses, see [[Johnson (disambiguation)]].''}}
{{Center|'''''Johnson''' redirects here. For other uses, see [[Johnson (disambiguation)]].''}}
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|image=[[File:Hw2-leader-crop-johnson.png|300px]]
|image=[[File:Hw2-leader-crop-johnson.png|300px]]
|homeworld=[[Chicago]], [[United Republic of North America|URNA]], [[Earth]]{{Ref/Reuse|CH37}}
|homeworld=[[Chicago]], [[United Republic of North America|URNA]], [[Earth]]{{Ref/Reuse|CH37}}
|birth=[[2474#November|November 23, 2474]]{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22P91|Enc22|Page=91}}
|birth=Between 2477 and 2482
|death=[[2552#December|December 11, 2552]]  
|death=[[2552#December|December 11, 2552]] (aged between 70 and 75)
|causeofdeath=Mortally wounded by [[343 Guilty Spark]]
|causeofdeath=
|parents=
|parents=
|siblings=
|siblings=
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{{Quote|Dear humanity: We regret being alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret that the Corps just blew up our raggedy-ass fleet!|SgtMaj. Avery Johnson, 2552<ref>'''Halo 2''', ''Outskirts''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Dear humanity: We regret being alien bastards. We regret coming to Earth. And we most definitely regret that the Corps just blew up our raggedy-ass fleet!|SgtMaj. Avery Johnson, 2552<ref>'''Halo 2''', ''Outskirts''</ref>}}


'''Sergeant Major Avery Junior Johnson''' ([[service number|'''SN''']]: 48789-20114-AJ<ref name="GN122>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Halo Graphic Novel, Page 122|Page 122]]''</ref>) was a [[Sergeant Major|senior non-commissioned officer]] of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] who served during in the fight against the [[Insurrection]] and the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Johnson was a highly trained marine, who also served with various units of the [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]], most notably the highly classified [[ORION Project]], the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s first super-soldier program.  
'''Sergeant Major Avery Junior Johnson''' ([[service number|'''SN''']]: 48789-20114-AJ <ref>'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''page 122''</ref>) was a [[Sergeant Major|senior non-commissioned officer]] of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] who served during in the fight against the [[Insurrection]] and the [[Human-Covenant War]]. Johnson was a highly trained marine, who also served with various units of the [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]], most notably the highly classified [[ORION Project]], the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]]'s first super-soldier program.  


Johnson played a vital role over the course of the Covenant War. He resisted the [[Covenant]]'s [[First Battle of Harvest|attack]] on [[Harvest]] at the outbreak of the war and went on to participate in numerous engagements. In the war's final months Johnson fought during the [[Fall of Reach]], on [[Battle of Installation 04|Installation 04]], [[Battle of Earth|at Earth]], [[Battle of Installation 05|on Installation 05]], and [[Battle of Installation 00|on the Ark and Installation 08]]. He was key to the formation of an alliance between humanity and [[Thel 'Vadam]] and the [[Fleet of Retribution]] following the [[Great Schism]] in [[2552#November|November 2552]]. Ultimately, Sergeant Major Johnson was killed by [[monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]] while attempting to prematurely activate [[Installation 08]].
Johnson played a vital role over the course of the Covenant War. He resisted the [[Covenant]]'s [[First Battle of Harvest|attack]] on [[Harvest]] at the outbreak of the war and went on to participate in numerous engagements. In the war's final months Johnson fought during the [[Fall of Reach]], on [[Battle of Installation 04|Installation 04]], [[Battle of Earth|at Earth]], [[Battle of Installation 05|on Installation 05]], and [[Battle of Installation 00|on the Ark and Installation 08]]. He was key to the formation of an alliance between humanity and [[Thel 'Vadam]] and the [[Fleet of Retribution]] following the [[Great Schism]] in [[2552#November|November 2552]]. Ultimately, Sergeant Major Johnson was killed by [[monitor]] [[343 Guilty Spark]] while attempting to prematurely activate [[Installation 08]].
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===Childhood===
===Childhood===
{{Quote|A boy isn't a boy that doesn't ruin his clothes.|Marcille, in response to the fact that so many clothes of her sons were worn-out before being passed on to Avery.}}
{{Quote|A boy isn't a boy that doesn't ruin his clothes.|Marcille, in response to the fact that so many clothes of her sons were worn-out before being passed on to Avery.}}
Avery Junior Johnson was born on [[2474#November|November 23, 2474]] on [[Earth]] in the [[United Republic of North America]]'s [[Greater Chicago Industrial Zone]], a sprawling metroplex covering regions that once were part of the [[United States of America|American]] states of [[Wikipedia:Illinois|Illinois]],  [[Wikipedia:Indiana|Indiana]], and [[Wikipedia:Wisconsin|Wisconsin]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22P91}}<ref name="CH37">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 37''</ref> From the time he was six years old, he was raised by his aunt, [[Marcille Johnson|Marcille]], after [[Zone Protective Services|Zone social services]] placed him in her care due to an angry end to his parents' marriage.<ref name="CH42">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 42''</ref> His father had left his mother so distraught that she could no longer care for herself, let alone an active, six-year-old boy. Marcille's sons were already grown by the time she adopted Avery and consequently he was dressed with many of the worn-out clothes they had worn at his age, which did not always fit due to his tall, broad-shouldered frame. His aunt worked hard to patch and sew so that Avery always looked his best, however, especially for church. Aunt Marcille was [[Evangelical Promessic]] and her religiosity resonated with the young Avery, who accompanied her to church services. Avery's first day of attendance left him with memories he would carry for the remainder of his life: the suffocating pinch of his white, freshly starched oxford shirt, a little paisley tie, argyle socks beneath neatly cuffed tan slacks, and the smell of carnauba wax, liberally applied, to mask the scuffs in his oversized, wingtip shoes. Avery and his aunt lived in a walkup apartment on [[Blackstone Avenue]] for the entirety of Avery's upbringing.
Avery Junior Johnson was born at some point between 2474 and 2482 on [[Earth]] in the [[United Republic of North America]]'s [[Greater Chicago Industrial Zone]], a sprawling metroplex covering regions that once were part of the [[Wikipedia:United States of America|American]] states of [[Wikipedia:Illinois|Illinois]],  [[Wikipedia:Indiana|Indiana]], and [[Wikipedia:Wisconsin|Wisconsin]].<ref name="CH37">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 37''</ref> From the time he was six years old, he was raised by his aunt, [[Marcille Johnson|Marcille]], after [[Zone Protective Services|Zone social services]] placed him in her care due to an angry end to his parents' marriage.<ref name="CH42">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 42''</ref> His father had left his mother so distraught that she could no longer care for herself, let alone an active, six-year-old boy. Marcille's sons were already grown by the time she adopted Avery and consequently he was dressed with many of the worn-out clothes they had worn at his age, which did not always fit due to his tall, broad-shouldered frame. His aunt worked hard to patch and sew so that Avery always looked his best, however, especially for church. Aunt Marcille was [[Evangelical Promessic]] and her religiosity resonated with the young Avery, who accompanied her to church services. Avery's first day of attendance left him with memories he would carry for the remainder of his life: the suffocating pinch of his white, freshly starched oxford shirt, a little paisley tie, argyle socks beneath neatly cuffed tan slacks, and the smell of carnauba wax, liberally applied, to mask the scuffs in his oversized, wingtip shoes. Avery and his aunt lived in a walkup apartment on [[Blackstone Avenue]] for the entirety of Avery's upbringing.


===Early military career===
===Early military career===
{{Quote|They taught you to be a killer, Avery. They taught us both.|Staff Sergeant Byrne reflects on he and Johnson's ORION training.}}
{{Quote|They taught you to be a killer, Avery. They taught us both.|Staff Sergeant Byrne reflects on he and Johnson's ORION training.}}
[[File:AssassinAvery.png|thumb|250px|Photographs of Corporal Johnson assassinating Ander.]]
[[File:AssassinAvery.png|thumb|250px|Photographs of Corporal Johnson assassinating Ander.]]
Avery enlisted with the [[United Nations Space Command]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] when he was nineteen years old. His aunt bid him farewell by telling him to make her proud and reminding him to always do what was right. He had become convinced that innocent people, like his aunt, were threatened by those involved in the [[Insurrection]], an undeclared civil war between the [[Unified Earth Government]] and disparate groups resisting its authority that had kicked off in earnest in [[2496]].<ref name="CH45">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 45''</ref> Avery excelled as a marine and often warranted special training and special missions. By the first few years of the twenty-sixth century, he had been handpicked to become part of the [[ORION Project]], a joint effort by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] and the [[Colonial Military Authority]] to create [[biological augmentation|biologically augmented]] super-soldiers to quell the [[Insurrectionist]] tide. Avery traveled to the planet [[Reach]] where he underwent a series of bioengineering protocols and grueling physical and mental tests. As part of ORION and [[UNSC Special Forces|NavSpecWar]], he was granted entrance into the [[Naval Special Warfare Sniper School]], where he exceeded the expectations of his superiors. In addition to training as a [[sniper]], he also learned to deploy in [[Drop pod|orbital drops]]<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 350''</ref> and became an accomplished [[Wikipedia:Close quarters combat|close quarters battle]] fighter. In [[2502]], then-Corporal Johnson deployed to [[Harvest]] as part of [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]], a campaign with the goal of assassinating key rebel leaders. On March 13, Avery acquired a position on a rooftop and with the assistance of a spotter, used an [[M99 Stanchion]] rifle to kill [[Jerald Ander]], the leader of the [[Secessionist Union]] on the planet, as a truck carrying him passed by. Johnson was involved in numerous other classified operations against the [[Insurrection]] during his years with ORION. The final of these for the project was [[Operation: TANGLEWOOD]]. Due to unmet expectations and exorbitant costs, the ORION Project was then deactivated in [[2506]]. Johnson was reassigned to a position in the Marine Corps once again. Avery was a leader during many black operations missions over the course of the Insurrection.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 76''</ref>  
Avery enlisted with the [[United Nations Space Command]] [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine Corps]] when he was nineteen years old. His aunt bid him farewell by telling him to make her proud and reminding him to always do what was right. He had become convinced that innocent people, like his aunt, were threatened by those involved in the [[Insurrection]], an undeclared civil war between the [[Unified Earth Government]] and disparate groups resisting its authority that had kicked off in earnest in [[2496]].<ref name="CH45">'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 45''</ref> Avery excelled as a marine and often warranted special training and special missions. By the first few years of the twenty-sixth century, he had been handpicked to become part of the [[ORION Project]], a joint effort by the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]] and the [[Colonial Military Administration]] to create [[biological augmentation|biologically augmented]] super-soldiers to quell the [[Insurrectionist]] tide. Avery traveled to the planet [[Reach]] where he underwent a series of bioengineering protocols and grueling physical and mental tests. As part of ORION and [[UNSC Special Forces|NavSpecWar]], he was granted entrance into the [[Naval Special Warfare Sniper School]], where he exceeded the expectations of his superiors. In addition to training as a [[sniper]], he also learned to deploy in [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]] orbital drops<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 350''</ref> and became an accomplished [[Wikipedia:Close quarters combat|close quarters battle]] fighter. In [[2502]], then-Corporal Johnson deployed to [[Harvest]] as part of [[Operation: KALEIDOSCOPE]], a campaign with the goal of assassinating key rebel leaders. On March 13, Avery acquired a position on a rooftop and with the assistance of a spotter, used an [[M99 Stanchion]] rifle to kill [[Jerald Ander]], the leader of the [[Secessionist Union]] on the planet, as a truck carrying him passed by. Johnson was involved in numerous other classified operations against the [[Insurrection]] during his years with ORION. The final of these for the project was [[Operation: TANGLEWOOD]]. Due to unmet expectations and exorbitant costs, the ORION Project was then deactivated in [[2506]]. Johnson was reassigned to a position in the Marine Corps once again. Avery was a leader during many black operations missions over the course of the Insurrection.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 76''</ref>  


===Tribute===
===Tribute===
{{Quote|Johnson, take the shot!|Staff Sergeant Byrne.}}
{{Quote|Johnson, take the shot!|Staff Sergeant Byrne.}}
In [[2513]], the UNSC launched [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], an extensive campaign to crush insurrectionists in the [[Outer Colonies]]. As part of this ongoing offensive, then-Staff Sergeant Johnson led [[Alpha Squad|a unit]] of Marines on June 16, [[2524]] during an effort to neutralize the bomb-making capabilities of rebels on [[Tribute]]. Before dawn, the two four-man squads took to the air with [[AV-14 Hornet]]s. At fifty-seven minutes and sixteen seconds into the mission, the hornets crested a line of crumbling hills the marines got their first line-of-sight view of their objective: one of Tribute's struggling industrial settlements; and, somewhere inside the town, a suspected Insurrectionist bomb-shop. The hornets dropped the strike force off on the edge of town and Johnson took point for his squad. He set a brisk pace and led them over a chain-link fence and around piles of plastic crates and pallets until they reached the front of what looked like nothing more than a rundown vehicle repair shop. After signaling their position to Byrne and receiving a similar confirmation, Avery kicked in the thin metal door that led inside. Most of the surprised insurrectionists were unarmed at the moment of the breach and those that were had nothing more than snub-nosed automatic pistols that did little against the marines' body armor. Johnson personally neutralized a triggerman before he could detonate any explosives. The firefight lasted less than ten seconds and resulted in the deaths of twelve insurrectionists. Four others surrendered. Avery attempted to use an [[ARGUS]] device to detect any significant chemical compounds of interest in the vicinity, but the recent firefight made it impossible to nail down the location of any hidden bombs. Johnson relayed this complication to the tactical operations center aboard the {{UNSCShip|Bum Rush}} and received approval from [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Aboim]] to extract information from their hostages by any means necessary. Byrne selected one unlucky man and proceeded to break both his legs before he confessed they had been mixing explosives into the synthetic rubber treads of tires. The explosive compound in nearby tires was quickly uploaded to the database of similar materials used by the rebels. Less than a minute later, an [[ARGUS drone]] patrolling one of the highways leading into [[Casbah City]], the planet's capital, identified the compound in skid marks left by a sixteen-wheel hauler. The truck was located as it pulled into the parking lot of a [[Jim Dandy]] roadside diner. More of the explosive was also detected inside the diner. Byrne killed the other three insurrectionists that had surrendered but kept the one who talked as a prisoner, per orders from the operation's ONI representative. He and Avery both led their squads back to the hornets.  
In [[2513]], the UNSC launched [[Operation: TREBUCHET]], an extensive campaign to crush insurrectionists in the [[Outer Colonies]]. As part of this ongoing offensive, then-Staff Sergeant Johnson led [[Alpha Squad|a unit]] of Marines on June 16, [[2524]] during an effort to neutralize the bomb-making capabilities of rebels on [[Tribute]]. Before dawn, the two four-man squads took to the air with [[AV-14 Hornet]]s. At fifty-seven minutes and sixteen seconds into the mission, the hornets crested a line of crumbling hills the marines got their first line-of-sight view of their objective: one of Tribute's struggling industrial settlements; and, somewhere inside the town, a suspected Insurrectionist bomb-shop. The hornets dropped the strike force off on the edge of town and Johnson took point for his squad. He set a brisk pace and led them over a chain-link fence and around piles of plastic crates and pallets until they reached the front of what looked like nothing more than a rundown vehicle repair shop. After signaling their position to Byrne and receiving a similar confirmation, Avery kicked in the thin metal door that led inside. Most of the surprised insurrectionists were unarmed at the moment of the breach and those that were had nothing more than snub-nosed automatic pistols that did little against the marines' body armor. Johnson personally neutralized a triggerman before he could detonate any explosives. The firefight lasted less than ten seconds and resulted in the deaths of twelve insurrectionists. Four others surrendered. Avery attempted to use an [[ARGUS]] device to detect any significant chemical compounds of interest in the vicinity, but the recent firefight made it impossible to nail down the location of any hidden bombs. Johnson relayed this complication to the [[tactical operations center]] on board the {{UNSCShip|Bum Rush}} and received approval from [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Aboim]] to extract information from their hostages by any means necessary. Byrne selected one unlucky man and proceeded to break both his legs before he confessed they had been mixing explosives into the synthetic rubber treads of tires. The explosive compound in nearby tires was quickly uploaded to the database of similar materials used by the rebels. Less than a minute later, an [[ARGUS drone]] patrolling one of the highways leading into [[Casbah City]], the planet's capital, identified the compound in skid marks left by a sixteen-wheel hauler. The truck was located as it pulled into the parking lot of a [[Jim Dandy]] roadside diner. More of the explosive was also detected inside the diner. Byrne killed the other three insurrectionists that had surrendered but kept the one who talked as a prisoner, per orders from the operation's ONI representative. He and Avery both led their squads back to the hornets.  


Twenty-eight minutes elapsed during their flight. The craft took up positions behind a smoked-glass, multistory office building across the highway from the Jim Dandy. The drone provided Avery with thermal imaging of the situation. Now armed with a stanchion sniper rifle, he took aim at the man that had been the driver of the truck. He waited for the individual to finish his meal and exit the building before sending a round straight through two of the office building's steel-reinforced, polycrete floors and into him at fifteen thousand meters per second. The target was torn asunder by the shot. The ARGUS was still showing a bomb within the restaurant, so Byrne's team made to land and enter while Avery's continued to provide coverage from above. The source of the reading was a purse near where the man had been sitting. As Byrne was about to retrieve it, the woman to whom it belonged exited one of the diner's bathrooms. Realizing what was happening, she grabbed a young boy to turn him into a human shield and produced a detonator, threatening to use it if the marines did not back off. Avery was ordered to kill the woman from his position, but he hesitated due to the risk he would be putting the child at. Byrne yelled that if Johnson would not take the shot, then he would kill her himself. Johnson affirmed that he was firing, but as he waited for an opening that would minimize the chances of harming the boy, the boy's father lunged at the woman and she detonated the bombs. Both her purse and tires on the truck outside engulfed the diner in fiery explosions that killed everyone inside but Staff Sergeant Byrne. In total, the dead numbered thirty-nine civilians, (including the woman) and three marines.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 20''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 86''</ref>
Twenty-eight minutes elapsed during their flight. The craft took up positions behind a smoked-glass, multistory office building across the highway from the Jim Dandy. The drone provided Avery with thermal imaging of the situation. Now armed with a stanchion sniper rifle, he took aim at the man that had been the driver of the truck. He waited for the individual to finish his meal and exit the building before sending a round straight through two of the office building's steel-reinforced, polycrete floors and into him at fifteen thousand meters per second. The target was torn asunder by the shot. The ARGUS was still showing a bomb within the restaurant, so Byrne's team made to land and enter while Avery's continued to provide coverage from above. The source of the reading was a purse near where the man had been sitting. As Byrne was about to retrieve it, the woman to whom it belonged exited one of the diner's bathrooms. Realizing what was happening, she grabbed a young boy to turn him into a human shield and produced a detonator, threatening to use it if the marines did not back off. Avery was ordered to kill the woman from his position, but he hesitated due to the risk he would be putting the child at. Byrne yelled that if Johnson would not take the shot, then he would kill her himself. Johnson affirmed that he was firing, but as he waited for an opening that would minimize the chances of harming the boy, the boy's father lunged at the woman and she detonated the bombs. Both her purse and tires on the truck outside engulfed the diner in fiery explosions that killed everyone inside but Staff Sergeant Byrne. In total, the dead numbered thirty-nine civilians, (including the woman) and three marines.<ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 20''</ref><ref>'''Halo: Contact Harvest''', ''page 86''</ref>
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Johnson began training the marines not long after.
Johnson began training the marines not long after.
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-Section}}


[[File:SSgt Avery Johnson, UNSC Marine Corps.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Staff Sergeant Avery J. Johnson and the [[Harvest Colonial Militia]] during the Covenant's attack on the planet.]]
[[File:SSgt Avery Johnson, UNSC Marine Corps.JPG|left|thumb|300px|Staff Sergeant Avery J. Johnson and the [[Harvest Colonial Militia]] during the Covenant's attack on the planet.]]
====First Contact====
====First Contact====
{{Main|First Battle of Harvest}}
{{Main|First Battle of Harvest}}
However, while lying in wait on a bait freighter, he and Sergeant Byrne, who was also assigned to the position, fought and defeated four [[Kig-yar|bird-like extraterrestrials]] in the first official battle between the UNSC and the alliance of alien species known as the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. Johnson demonstrated exceptional bravery during the battle, succeeding in eliminating the initial enemy Kig-yar contacts and pursuing the Kig-yar ship mistress (the final survivor of the boarding) into her ship. He subsequently survived the ships detonation of the ships Ungoy methane suite at the hands of the Kig-yar ship mistress's plasma pistol. His survival was secured thanks to Sgt. Byrne's quick evacuation of Johnson before the ship and the situation onboard was lethal. Following first contact, Johnson and Byrne were both involved in the training of Harvest colonial militia, despite being held to secrecy regarding first contact, both sergeants did their best within their restrictions, and only revealed the alien threat (and its potential scope) when it was imminent. The recruits during the briefing on the alien threat were privileged to witness the battle through the suit cameras of Sgt. Johnson vacuum-rated battle armor, the recruits were obviously impressed by the Sergeants courageous attack on the Covenant ship, and most were emboldened to fight. Johnson and Byrne (with the rest of the Harvest colonial militia) were present at the initial negotiations between the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and the [[human]]s. Their initial plans coordinated with al-Cygni were spoiled as they expected the same aliens as they faced during first contact (Jiralhanae instead of Kig-yar) and misjudged the circumstances surrounding the 'ideal' true first contact. This was due to the Brute ship, Rapid Conversion, finding the survivors of the destruction of the Kig-yar ship, and as such, decided to prod at Harvest. As such, it was the only ship to initially attack Harvest following the incidental first contact. They fought Brute Chieftain [[Maccabeus]], his nephew [[Tartarus]], and several [[Unggoy|Grunts]] during their first formal contact. He aided [[Staff Sergeant]] Byrne and ONI operative [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cdr.]] [[Jilan al-Cygni]] in repelling the [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] ship ''[[Rapid Conversion]]'' long enough to allow most of the planet's population to escape into the [[Tiara]], a station attached to seven different space elevators stationed on the planet. Following the battle of Harvest, he would become romantically involved with al-Cygni after escaping from the planet. Although Johnson and al-Cygni seemed quite taken with each other it is unclear whether they formed a relationship, or how long it lasted.  
However, while lying in wait on a bait freighter, he and Sergeant Byrne, who was also assigned to the position, fought and defeated four [[Kig-yar|bird-like extraterrestrials]] in the first official battle between the UNSC and the alliance of alien species known as the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]]. Johnson and Byrne (with the rest of the militia of Harvest) were also present at the initial negotiations between the [[Jiralhanae|Brutes]] and the [[human]]s. They also fought Brute Chieftain [[Maccabeus]], his nephew [[Tartarus]], and several [[Unggoy|Grunts]]. He aided [[Staff Sergeant]] Byrne and ONI operative [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cdr.]] [[Jilan al-Cygni]] in repelling the [[Jiralhanae|Brute]] ship ''[[Rapid Conversion]]'' long enough to allow most of the planet's population to escape into the [[Tiara]], a station attached to seven different space elevators stationed on the planet. Later, he would become romantically involved with al-Cygni after escaping from the planet. Although Johnson and al-Cygni seemed quite taken with each other it is unclear whether they formed a relationship, or how long it lasted.  
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-Section}}


====SILENT STORM====
====SILENT STORM====
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As the remaining personnel departed from the hangar in a shocked silence, Johnson was joined by Crowther on the walk back to the Black Daggers' quarters. Crowther apologized to him for having that exchange in front of everyone, but he told the colonel that he had seen worse. Truthfully, Johnson had never seen two commanding officers openly threaten each other with career ending charges like that. He also warned Crowther that his disagreement with Nyeto was not a "pissing match" he was going to win, as it had been decided far above his pay grade that the Spartans were ''not'' children and that they were the right fit for the mission. Crowther surprised Johnson by agreeing with this sentiment, saying that the young supersoldiers had saved them at Seoba and that they were ready for battle. He then revealed that he was suspicious of Nyeto and his strange attitude toward the Spartans. It had seemed to him that Nyeto had purposefully stalled in supporting them during the previous day's battle. As such, Crowther wanted to keep the Spartans away from Nyeto until he figured out what was going on. Inwardly, Johnson agreed that he had similar suspicions about the lieutenant commander. To keep the Spartans away for a time, Crowther informed Johnson that he was sending them on [[Battle over Etalan|a mission]] to sabotage the Covenant's supply chain at [[Etalan]].{{Ref/Reuse|HSS16}}
As the remaining personnel departed from the hangar in a shocked silence, Johnson was joined by Crowther on the walk back to the Black Daggers' quarters. Crowther apologized to him for having that exchange in front of everyone, but he told the colonel that he had seen worse. Truthfully, Johnson had never seen two commanding officers openly threaten each other with career ending charges like that. He also warned Crowther that his disagreement with Nyeto was not a "pissing match" he was going to win, as it had been decided far above his pay grade that the Spartans were ''not'' children and that they were the right fit for the mission. Crowther surprised Johnson by agreeing with this sentiment, saying that the young supersoldiers had saved them at Seoba and that they were ready for battle. He then revealed that he was suspicious of Nyeto and his strange attitude toward the Spartans. It had seemed to him that Nyeto had purposefully stalled in supporting them during the previous day's battle. As such, Crowther wanted to keep the Spartans away from Nyeto until he figured out what was going on. Inwardly, Johnson agreed that he had similar suspicions about the lieutenant commander. To keep the Spartans away for a time, Crowther informed Johnson that he was sending them on [[Battle over Etalan|a mission]] to sabotage the Covenant's supply chain at [[Etalan]].{{Ref/Reuse|HSS16}}
Despite Johnson being ordered to get some rest and let the effects of his concussion subside, Crowther sent him to visit Blue Team in one of the ''Vanishing Point''{{'}}s maintenance hangars later that day. At this point, [[Fleet of Inexorable Obedience|a Covenant fleet]] had arrived and begun its assault on Biko, and the Black Daggers had been deployed to attempt boarding operations. When Johnson strode into the hangar still in pain with a hangover-like headache, he was dressed in blue light-duty utilities and a pair of boots. After John and Fred asked him how he was feeling, Johnson asked Blue Team if they were just going to sit in the hangar all day bellyaching and watching the battle from a distance. John told him that's all they could do with Crowther standing in their way. With that, Johnson informed them of their new mission from the colonel. The Spartans—especially Linda-058 and [[Kelly-087]]—were skeptical given Crowther's apparent past attitude toward them. Johnson leveled with them and admitted that the secrecy was warranted given the suspicions surrounding Nyeto. While the Spartans had their own suspicions of the lieutenant commander, John presented the possibility of Crowther using this mission to Etalan as a way to eliminate them—the Black Daggers' primary competition. Johnson admitted that the idea had never crossed his mind, but that it was possible. However, he asserted that the only way to determine if the mission was a setup would be to accept it. With this, John agreed.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS17|HSS|Chapter=17}}


====Battle over Etalan====
====Battle over Etalan====
{{Main|Battle over Etalan}}
{{Main|Battle over Etalan}}
Later that same day, Johnson, the Spartans, and Dr. Halsey left the [[Kolaqoa system]] aboard the UNSC ''Vanishing Point'' with two prowlers serving as escort. During the [[slipspace]] journey, Johnson and John-117 discussed which vessels of the logistics fleet they would make priority targets. Ultimately, they decided that they would target the munitions supply vessels first and the food supply vessels second, as the loss of those necessities would bring the Covenant offensive in this part of human space to a standstill.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS19|HSS|Chapter=19}}
Johnson later worked closely with the Spartans of Blue Team and acted as a sniper covering John-117 during the destruction of the Covenant logistics fleet.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''chapter 20''</ref> When John received a promotion to [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] from Crowther, Johnson was present and stated that he and Crowther had talked the promotion over and both had agreed that it was the best thing for the mission as the unheard of four-rank promotion solidified John's authority over the Black Daggers. Along with Crowther, Johnson cautioned John about "leading from the front" and what could happen if they lost John in combat. Before going their separate ways, John thanked Johnson for showing him how much John didn't learn during Spartan training on [[Reach]] and Johnson promised to help him again anytime.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''chapter 23''</ref>
 
On [[2526#March|March 22]], the three ships dropped out of slipspace near Etalan, spending the next four days observing the logistics fleet's movements and trying to discern which vessel served which purpose. By [[2526#March|March 26]], the ''Vanishing Point''{{'}}s analysts felt confident that four of the fleet's fifteen vessels were equipment [[freighter]]s carrying spare parts and other materials that would be used to keep the Fleet of Inexorable Obedience operational in the field. At this point, the logistics fleet was seemingly preparing to break from orbit over Etalan, evidenced by the fact that they had begun syncing their orbits and bringing their [[fusion reactor]]s to full power. Since time was running out, [[Gold Team|Gold]] and [[Green Team]]s were deployed in [[S-14 Baselard]]s to destroy the equipment freighters as Johnson and Blue Team discussed what vessels they should target during the second phase of the attack. The plan called for each of them to pilot one of the [[Elsedda-pattern Banshee|Banshee]]s that the Spartans had captured in [[Skirmish over Netherop|a mission]] over [[Netherop]] a few weeks earlier. They would fly the Banshees straight into the hangars of the target vessels, crash the fighters with a [[HAVOK tactical nuclear weapon]] in the cockpit, and then go [[Extra-vehicular activity|EV]] and await prowler pickup. For the purpose of this mission, Johnson was equipped with [[ODST armor#Space-assault|space assault armor]], an [[M99 Stanchion]], and an [[M41 SPNKR]].{{Ref/Reuse|HSS19}}
 
Johnson suggested that they take out what the analysts believed to be {{Pattern|Mjern|agricultural support ship}}s, but Fred pointed out that they weren't even sure of that and they could be petting zoos for all they knew. Still, Johnson argued that could destroy all of the "petting zoos," and they'd be stuck without whatever they needed them for. However, Dr. Halsey walked over and informed them that she had identified the fleet's munition supply vessels as the three large "[[Bladder ship|air-skimmer]]s" seen dipping in and out of Etalan's upper atmosphere. Johnson, unconvinced that she could have determined that, asked how she knew. After some prodding, Dr. Halsey explained that the "air-skimmers" were collecting gas from Etalan's atmosphere to refine into [[plasma]]. She then revealed that she knew that Nyeto and his subordinates were Insurrectionist spies, and that she had found surveillance devices in her lab on the ''Vanishing Point''. Despite Johnson and Blue Team's worries that the spies might have gotten access to the Spartans' armor, they prepared to follow through on their part of the mission, now targeting the three "air-skimmers" instead.{{Ref/Reuse|HSS19}}
 
With the ''Vanishing Point'' nearing the decided drop-off point, John gave the signal for Johnson and Blue Team to grab their HAVOKs and board their Banshees. Meanwhile, a remotely-piloted Baselard powered up on the hangar deck ahead of their craft. Moments before launch, a decoy flight of Baselards streamed past the hangar aperture with a Banshee squadron on their tails. The ''Vanishing Point'' cold-launched a number of pre-targeted [[Archer missile|M42 Archer missiles]], and an instant later, the remote Baselard shot out of the hangar, firing on the Banshee squadron as the ''Vanishing Point''{{'}}s missiles activated and flew after the Banshees as well. The Banshees panicked and scattered, giving the manned Baselards a chance to escape. John ordered Blue Team to launch their Banshees and fall in behind the alien fighter squadron before firing on the remote-controlled Baselard until it self-destructed into a large fireball intended to distract the Covenant forces as the ''Vanishing Point'' slipped away. Sangheili voices filled the cockpits of Blue Team's Banshees, questioning where they came from. When no response was given, a trio of Banshees broke from the main squadron to investigate the new arrivals visually. However, John was able to convince the aliens that their communications equipment had been damaged by feigning communication with a wiggle of his Banshee.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS20|HSS|Chapter=20}}
 
Shortly after this, Gold and Green Teams deployed from Baselards to attack the equipment freighters as planned. Moments later, the freighters began exploding while the Covenant fighters and [[Proselytization network|battlenet]] began to panic. The fourth explosion was so close to the Banshee squadron that they were all—including the Banshees piloted by Johnson and Blue Team—disabled by the [[electromagnetic pulse]]. Since the craft escorting them no longer had the capability to intercept transmissions, Fred-104 exclaimed his disgust at the Banshees' lack of radiation shielding over [[TEAMCOM]]. Johnson spied two of their targeted air-skimmers in an orbit that would have them pass below them shortly, pointing this out to Blue Team. When John revealed that they still planned to board the vessels, Johnson exclaimed that he was crazy. Yet, after some discussion, it was decided that Blue Team would go EV from their derelict Banshees and intercept the air-skimmers as they passed by. John-117 would board the first vessel, Kelly-087 the second, and Fred-104 the third while Linda and Johnson held back to cover them with their M99 Stanchions. John ordered Linda and Johnson to focus on protecting Kelly and Fred, but Johnson refused and told him that he needed to get over his hero complex. Linda explained that she was close enough to Fred and Kelly to cover them most of the way, and Johnson told John that he needed to get over his hero complex. John began to argue, but Johnson stated that he was already committed to the vector he was on and there was no way for him to turn back. As John grew angrier, Linda interjected, informing John that it was her who made the snap decision that Johnson would cover him. Leaving the squadron of adrift Banshees behind, Johnson's HAVOK nuke—which he had left aboard his Banshee—detonated, killing any potential witnesses aboard the other craft and covering their approach.{{Ref/Reuse|HSS20}}
 
Meanwhile, the ''Vanishing Point''{{'}}s two escort prowlers arrived to recover Gold and Green Teams. Assuming the two vessels were preparing another attack run on the logistics fleet, the Covenant attacked the prowlers and the Baselards accompanying them. As John neared the lead air-skimmer, a number of Banshees moved to intercept him, still out of range of Johnson's M99. Johnson told John to abort his approach, but the Spartan ignored him and got close enough to detonate his nuke, destroying the vessel.{{Ref/Reuse|HSS20}} Fred and Kelly did likewise before Johnson and the rest of Blue Team were recovered by the ''Vanishing Point'' or its escorts.{{Ref/Novel|Id=HSS21|HSS|Chapter=21}}
 
====Respite====
 
When John received a promotion to [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] from Crowther, Johnson was present and stated that he and Crowther had talked the promotion over and both had agreed that it was the best thing for the mission as the unheard of four-rank promotion solidified John's authority over the Black Daggers. Along with Crowther, Johnson cautioned John about "leading from the front" and what could happen if they lost John in combat. Before going their separate ways, John thanked Johnson for showing him how much John didn't learn during Spartan training on [[Reach]] and Johnson promised to help him again anytime.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''chapter 23''</ref>


{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-section}}


====Battle of Zhoist====
====Attack on Zhoist====
{{Main|Battle of Zhoist}}
{{Main|Attack on Zhoist}}
During the attack on [[Zhoist]], Johnson was stationed on the [[prowler]] {{UNSCShip|Ghost Song}} with Crowther and waited on the flight deck as backup for Crowther to relieve Hector Nyeto of command when he revealed his true colors. After Nyeto tried to betray Sierra Force to the Covenant, Crowther made his move to relieve Nyeto of his command and arrest him for [[treason]]. However, the entire Ghost Flight turned out to be Insurrectionists loyal to Nyeto and the bridge crew turned on Johnson and Crowther, killing Crowther. Johnson killed the sensor operator, Crowther's killer and fled, single-handedly taking down seven Insurrectionists on board the ''Ghost Song''. However, Nyeto blew the Black Daggers, who were all wearing sealed assault armor, into space. To stop Nyeto's plot, Johnson briefly activated his [[distress beacon]], drawing the Covenant's attention to Nyeto and ultimately forcing the [[Treason|traitor]] to flee into slipspace. Having realized what Johnson was up to, John managed to keep Sierra Force from giving away their position by reacting to the beacon and subsequent Covenant response.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''chapter 24-25''</ref>
During the attack on [[Zhoist]], Johnson was stationed on the [[prowler]] {{UNSCShip|Ghost Song}} with Crowther and waited on the flight deck as backup for Crowther to relieve Hector Nyeto of command when he revealed his true colors. After Nyeto tried to betray Sierra Force to the Covenant, Crowther made his move to relieve Nyeto of his command and arrest him for [[treason]]. However, the entire Ghost Flight turned out to be Insurrectionists loyal to Nyeto and the bridge crew turned on Johnson and Crowther, killing Crowther. Johnson killed the sensor operator, Crowther's killer and fled, single-handedly taking down seven Insurrectionists on board the ''Ghost Song''. However, Nyeto blew the Black Daggers, who were all wearing sealed assault armor, into space. To stop Nyeto's plot, Johnson briefly activated his [[distress beacon]], drawing the Covenant's attention to Nyeto and ultimately forcing the [[Treason|traitor]] to flee into slipspace. Having realized what Johnson was up to, John managed to keep Sierra Force from giving away their position by reacting to the beacon and subsequent Covenant response.<ref>'''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''', ''chapter 24-25''</ref>


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Johnson was later present in the [[Fall of Reach|fall]] of the planet [[Reach]]. During the final stages of the battle on [[2552#August|August 30, 2552]], Johnson led a search-and-destroy team aboard the orbital [[Gamma Station|Reach Station Gamma]], made up of [[Private First Class|PFC]] [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Wallace Jenkins]], and [[Private]]s [[Bisenti]] and [[O'Brien (Reach)|O'Brien]]. They were almost killed by the attacking Jackals and [[Sangheili|Elites]], but were later picked up by [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] and [[Petty Officer Second Class]] [[Linda-058]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 325, 328, and 349''</ref> He escaped onto the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, which fled the battle into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]].
Johnson was later present in the [[Fall of Reach|fall]] of the planet [[Reach]]. During the final stages of the battle on [[2552#August|August 30, 2552]], Johnson led a search-and-destroy team aboard the orbital [[Gamma Station|Reach Station Gamma]], made up of [[Private First Class|PFC]] [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Wallace Jenkins]], and [[Private]]s [[Bisenti]] and [[O'Brien (Reach)|O'Brien]]. They were almost killed by the attacking Jackals and [[Sangheili|Elites]], but were later picked up by [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] [[Master Chief Petty Officer]] [[John-117]] and [[Petty Officer Second Class]] [[Linda-058]].<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''pages 325, 328, and 349''</ref> He escaped onto the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}, which fled the battle into [[Slipstream space|slipspace]].
{{Expand-section}}
{{Expand-Section}}


====Battle of Installation 04====
====Battle of Installation 04====
[[File:Anniversary Avery.JPG|thumb|left|250px|Sergeant Johnson on the ''Pillar of Autumn'' during the Battle of Installation 04.]]
[[File:Anniversary Avery.JPG|right|thumb|left|250px|Sergeant Johnson on the ''Pillar of Autumn'' during the Battle of Installation 04.]]
{{Main|Battle of Installation 04}}
{{Main|Battle of Installation 04}}
{{quote|multi=more|q1=<choose><option>Men... keep your eyes downrange, fingers on your triggers, and we all go home in one piece.</option><option>Once again, it is our job to finish what the flyboys started. We are leaving this ship, platoon, and engaging the Covenant on solid ground. When we meet the enemy, we will rip their skulls from their spines, and toss 'em away, laughin'!</option><option>Men, here is where we show those split-chin squid-head sons-of-bitches that they could not have picked a worse enemy than the human race! We are going to blow the hell out of those dumb bugs, until we don't have anything left to shoot 'em with! And then we are going to strangle them with their own-living-guts!</option><option>Men, we led those dumb bugs out to the middle of nowhere to keep 'em from gettin' their filthy claws on Earth. But we stumbled onto somethin' they're so hot for, that they're scramblin' over each other to get it. Well, I don't care if it's God's own anti-son-of-a-bitch machine, or a giant hula hoop, we're not gonna let 'em have it! What we will let 'em have...is a belly full of lead, and a pool of their own blood to drown in!</option></choose> Am I ''right'', Marines?|Sergeant Johnson|q2=Sir, yes sir!|UNSC Marines|q3=Mmm-hmmm! Damn right I am!|Sergeant Johnson|Sergeant Johnson motivating his Marines in preparation for the battle on Halo.}}
{{quote|multi=more|q1=<choose><option>Men... keep your eyes downrange, fingers on your triggers, and we all go home in one piece.</option><option>Once again, it is our job to finish what the flyboys started. We are leaving this ship, platoon, and engaging the Covenant on solid ground. When we meet the enemy, we will rip their skulls from their spines, and toss 'em away, laughin'!</option><option>Men, here is where we show those split-chin squid-head sons-of-bitches that they could not have picked a worse enemy than the human race! We are going to blow the hell out of those dumb bugs, until we don't have anything left to shoot 'em with! And then we are going to strangle them with their own-living-guts!</option><option>Men, we led those dumb bugs out to the middle of nowhere to keep 'em from gettin' their filthy claws on Earth. But we stumbled onto somethin' they're so hot for, that they're scramblin' over each other to get it. Well, I don't care if it's God's own anti-son-of-a-bitch machine, or a giant hula hoop, we're not gonna let 'em have it! What we will let 'em have...is a belly full of lead, and a pool of their own blood to drown in!</option></choose> Am I ''right'', Marines?|Sergeant Johnson|q2=Sir, yes sir!|UNSC Marines|q3=Mmm-hmmm! Damn right I am!|Sergeant Johnson|Sergeant Johnson motivating his Marines in preparation for the battle on Halo.}}
After coming out of slipspace, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' came across a [[Forerunner]] artifact known as [[Installation 04|Halo]]. The Covenant, cautious not to damage the ring world by firing at the ''Autumn'' in space, began boarding actions to "cleanly" neutralize the ''Autumn'' by [[Naval boarding|boarding]] the ship and wiping out the crew and altering its course away from the Installation, before planting charges and blowing it up. On board, Johnson helped defend the ''Autumn'' from the invading Covenant boarding troops, but like everyone else was forced to abandon ship when [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] issued the order.
After coming out of slipspace, the ''Pillar of Autumn'' came across a [[Forerunner]] artifact known as [[Installation 04|Halo]]. The Covenant, cautious not to damage the ring world by firing at the ''Autumn'' in space, began boarding actions to "cleanly" neutralize the ''Autumn'' by [[boarding]] the ship and wiping out the crew and altering its course away from the Installation, before planting charges and blowing it up. On board, Johnson helped defend the ''Autumn'' from the invading Covenant boarding troops, but like everyone else was forced to abandon ship when [[Captain (Navy)|Captain]] [[Jacob Keyes]] issued the order.


Sergeant Johnson's escape pod and [[Fire Team Charlie|one of his fireteams]] landed on the ring, with most of his Marines surviving. However, as soon as they regrouped, Covenant strike teams viciously attacked them. With his platoon scattered all over the valley, he was glad to see John-117 coming up to assist in the nick of time.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''pages 68-69''</ref>
Sergeant Johnson's escape pod and [[Fire Team Charlie|one of his fireteams]] landed on the ring, with most of his Marines surviving. However, as soon as they regrouped, Covenant strike teams viciously attacked them. With his platoon scattered all over the valley, he was glad to see John-117 coming up to assist in the nick of time.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''pages 68-69''</ref>
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Shortly after they were dropped off, the squad came across a structure leading underground. As they ventured further into the facility, they came across several Sangheili corpses with scrambled innards. Passing them off as friendly fire, they proceeded deeper into the facility until they entered a seemingly empty room. Annoyed by [[Private]] [[Manuel Mendoza]]'s paranoia, Johnson shrugged off the situation until massive numbers of [[Pod infector]]s barged out of the nearby holding cells and attacked the squad. As each Marine fell, Johnson was forced to kill a few of his own men, who were mutating before his eyes and would have killed him if he had done otherwise.
Shortly after they were dropped off, the squad came across a structure leading underground. As they ventured further into the facility, they came across several Sangheili corpses with scrambled innards. Passing them off as friendly fire, they proceeded deeper into the facility until they entered a seemingly empty room. Annoyed by [[Private]] [[Manuel Mendoza]]'s paranoia, Johnson shrugged off the situation until massive numbers of [[Pod infector]]s barged out of the nearby holding cells and attacked the squad. As each Marine fell, Johnson was forced to kill a few of his own men, who were mutating before his eyes and would have killed him if he had done otherwise.
[[File:JohnsonFlood.png|thumb|250px|Johnson was able to escape the Flood thanks to his skill and biological augmentations.]]
[[File:JohnsonFlood.png|thumb|250px|right|Johnson was able to escape the Flood thanks to his skill and biological augmentations.]]
Johnson, however, was able to survive the ambush uninfected due to his skill, tenacity and physiological enhancement, though when asked how he survived, he claimed that the Flood had not been able to infect him. Later, a query by the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]] into Johnson's medical history claimed that he had a condition known as [[Boren's Syndrome]]. This disease was supposedly contracted while he was stationed at [[Paris IV]]. When the Covenant [[Siege of Paris IV|attacked]] Paris IV, Johnson fought valiantly; during the battle, he repossessed a crate of Covenant [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]] when his troops needed them and used them all against the enemy troops to keep them at bay so his fellow soldiers could evacuate. He received a commendation for bravery, and a twelve-hundred-rad cumulative dose of radiation as an unanticipated "bonus" from all the plasma detonations.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 244''</ref> Allegedly, the Boren's Syndrome had an unexpected side effect, as it made him effectively immune to infection by the Flood because the radiation scrambled his nervous system so much that Pod infectors could not force a match. This supposedly rendered the Flood unable to control him. However, the Boren's Syndrome story (referred to as the "Paris/BS Spoof"), was a hoax to cover up Johnson's involvement in the ORION Project,{{Ref/Reuse|GN122}}<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 81''</ref> and his survival from the Flood was solely due to his ability to fight off the parasite before it could infect him thanks to his augmented physique and superior skill, as opposed to an actual immunity.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'' (''"No known biological <nowiki>[scaffolding]</nowiki> augmentation impedes efficacy of parasite conversion process."'')]</ref><ref name="hgn">'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Johnson's supposed biological immunity to the Flood as a result of Boren's Syndrome was originally presented as factual in the novel ''Halo: First Strike''. As stated by [[Joseph Staten]] {{Plain|[http://halostory.bungie.org/staten102204.html here]}}, Bungie disliked the notion of a Flood immunity and established the disease as being fictitious on page 122 of the ''Halo Graphic Novel''. As stated in the introduction to ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]'', the comic was intended to further cement Bungie's original vision for Johnson's escape from the Flood. The comic indicates that he simply fought his way out of the containment facility and did not suffer lacerations which would expose him to Flood infection in the process.}}
Johnson, however, was able to survive the ambush uninfected due to his skill, tenacity and physiological enhancement, though when asked how he survived, he claimed that the Flood had not been able to infect him. Later, a query by the [[Artificial intelligence|AI]] [[Cortana]] into Johnson's medical history claimed that he had a condition known as [[Boren's Syndrome]]. This disease was supposedly contracted while he was stationed at [[Paris IV]]. When the Covenant [[Siege of Paris IV|attacked]] Paris IV, Johnson fought valiantly; during the battle, he repossessed a crate of Covenant [[Type-1 Antipersonnel Grenade|plasma grenades]] when his troops needed them and used them all against the enemy troops to keep them at bay so his fellow soldiers could evacuate. He received a commendation for bravery, and a twelve-hundred-rad cumulative dose of radiation as an unanticipated "bonus" from all the plasma detonations.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 244''</ref> Allegedly, the Boren's Syndrome had an unexpected side effect, as it made him effectively immune to infection by the Flood because the radiation scrambled his nervous system so much that Pod infectors could not force a match. This supposedly rendered the Flood unable to control him. However, the Boren's Syndrome story (referred to as the "Paris/BS Spoof"), was a hoax to cover up Johnson's involvement in the ORION Project,<ref>'''Halo: Graphic Novel''', ''page 122''</ref><ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 81''</ref> and his survival from the Flood was solely due to his ability to fight off the parasite before it could infect him thanks to his augmented physique and superior skill, as opposed to an actual immunity.<ref name="Catalog">[https://forums.halowaypoint.com/yaf_postsm2969315_Catalog-Interaction.aspx#post2969315 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'' (''"No known biological <nowiki>[scaffolding]</nowiki> augmentation impedes efficacy of parasite conversion process."'')]</ref><ref name="hgn">'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]''</ref>{{Ref/Note|Johnson's supposed biological immunity to the Flood as a result of Boren's Syndrome was originally presented as factual in the novel ''Halo: First Strike''. As stated by [[Joseph Staten]] {{Plain|[http://halostory.bungie.org/staten102204.html here]}}, Bungie disliked the notion of a Flood immunity and established the disease as being fictitious on page 122 of the ''Halo Graphic Novel''. As stated in the introduction to ''[[Breaking Quarantine]]'', the comic was intended to further cement Bungie's original vision for Johnson's escape from the Flood. The comic indicates that he simply fought his way out of the containment facility and did not suffer lacerations which would expose him to Flood infection in the process.}}


John-117 presumed Johnson dead after finding [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Private Jenkins']] helmet recorder log, showing the gory details of the Marines' fates. However, Johnson escaped after Master Chief found [[Corporal]] [[Lovik]] and the remains of his team.
John-117 presumed Johnson dead after finding [[Wallace A. Jenkins|Private Jenkins']] helmet recorder log, showing the gory details of the Marines' fates. However, Johnson escaped after Master Chief found [[Corporal]] [[Lovik]] and the remains of his team.
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{{Main|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}}
{{Main|Operation: FIRST STRIKE}}
{{Quote|Don't look like any 'uneven elephant' to me - more like two squid kissing.|Johnson on the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''','' page 328''</ref>}}
{{Quote|Don't look like any 'uneven elephant' to me - more like two squid kissing.|Johnson on the ''[[Unyielding Hierophant]]''.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''','' page 328''</ref>}}
[[File:Polaski cam.jpg|250px|thumb|left|Johnson and John-117 on a Covenant ship.]]
[[File:Polaski cam.jpg|250px|thumb|left| Johnson and John-117 on a Covenant ship.]]
Johnson met up with [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Elias Haverson]], [[Corporal|Cpl.]] [[Locklear]], and [[Petty Officer Second Class|PO2]] [[Shiela Polaski]], escaping Halo's destruction in a [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] moments before it collapsed in multiple explosions. Polaski piloted the dropship away from the ring, meeting up with a [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] carrying the Master Chief and Cortana, who had also escaped the Flood and Halo. Having seen Jenkins’ video himself, SPARTAN-117 was alarmed by Johnson's appearance and promptly pulled Johnson's own [[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System|M6D pistol]] and pointed it to his head. Johnson had expressed no objection, and assured the Spartan that he was fine and not infected from the Flood, although it took Cortana's intervention to convince the Chief that Johnson was still human.
Johnson met up with [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Elias Haverson]], [[Corporal|Cpl.]] [[Locklear]], and [[Petty Officer Second Class|PO2]] [[Shiela Polaski]], escaping Halo's destruction in a [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelican]] moments before it collapsed in multiple explosions. Polaski piloted the dropship away from the ring, meeting up with a [[GA-TL1 Longsword]] carrying the Master Chief and Cortana, who had also escaped the Flood and Halo. Having seen Jenkins’ video himself, SPARTAN-117 was alarmed by Johnson's appearance and promptly pulled Johnson's own [[M6D Personal Defense Weapon System|M6D pistol]] and pointed it to his head. Johnson had expressed no objection, and assured the Spartan that he was fine and not infected from the Flood, although it took Cortana's intervention to convince the Chief that Johnson was still human.


Without a viable way to return to the nearest safe outpost, it was decided that the new crew would take over the nearest Covenant ship in the vicinity, the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', a Covenant capital ship. The Master Chief assumed command due to his higher-priority mission, although Lieutenant Haverson was the ranking officer, and Johnson assisted Master Chief by helping him assert control over Corporal Locklear and Haverson. After they boarded the ''Ascendant Justice'', Johnson and the others made their way through the ship towards the bridge, where he witnessed a showdown between the Master Chief and a [[Sangheili]], where he brought down the alien’s shields in order for SPARTAN-117 to push the Elite into an escape pod and send it away from the ship.
Without a viable way to return to the nearest safe outpost, it was decided that the new crew would take over the nearest Covenant ship in the vicinity, the ''[[Ascendant Justice]]'', a Covenant capital ship. The Master Chief assumed command due to his higher-priority mission, although Lieutenant Haverson was the ranking officer, and Johnson assisted Master Chief by helping him assert control over Corporal Locklear and Haverson. After they boarded the ''Ascendant Justice'', Johnson and the others made their way through the ship towards the bridge, where he witnessed a showdown between the Master Chief and a [[Sangheili]], where he brought down the alien’s shields in order for SPARTAN-117 to push the Elite into an escape pod and send it away from the ship.


After they had captured the Covenant ship, not being able to return to Earth because of the [[Cole Protocol]], Master Chief suggested they return to Reach to regroup. They proceeded with this plan despite protests that Reach was almost certainly a dead world. When they arrived at Reach, the planet was almost completely glassed, except for a small portion. Using a [[Taaku Xur-pattern Spirit|Covenant dropship]], they traveled to the surface of the desecrated planet, where Johnson was becoming nervous. After they landed, they found the surviving [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. Johnson was the first to realize that they were surrounded by thousands of invisible Covenant, and pointed it out to [[Vice Admiral]] [[Danforth Whitcomb|Whitcomb]] before their dropship walked into the trap.
After they had captured the Covenant ship, not being able to return to Earth because of the [[Cole Protocol]], Master Chief suggested they return to Reach to regroup. They proceeded with this plan despite protests that Reach was almost certainly a dead world. When they arrived at Reach, the planet was almost completely glassed, except for a small portion. Using a [[Type-28 Troop Carrier|Covenant dropship]], they traveled to the surface of the desecrated planet, where Johnson was becoming nervous. After they landed, they found the surviving [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-IIs]] and [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]]. Johnson was the first to realize that they were surrounded by thousands of invisible Covenant, and pointed it out to [[Vice Admiral]] [[Danforth Whitcomb|Whitcomb]] before their dropship walked into the trap.


After a harrowing escape, Johnson accompanied the new and growing crew as the ship moved through Slipspace. Unknown to him, Dr. Halsey and the Master Chief were reviewing his medical files. They matched Johnson’s survival against the Flood to his Boren’s Syndrome. Flood DNA ''was'' present in Johnson’s blood, but it was dormant and non-infectious. Halsey also confirmed that Johnson had gained some unique regenerative abilities as a side effect from the attempted assimilation back on Halo when they accidentally opened the Flood containment facility. Halsey had prepared two separate documents for [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|ONI Section Three]] to review:
After a harrowing escape, Johnson accompanied the new and growing crew as the ship moved through Slipspace. Unknown to him, Dr. Halsey and the Master Chief were reviewing his medical files. They matched Johnson’s survival against the Flood to his Boren’s Syndrome. Flood DNA ''was'' present in Johnson’s blood, but it was dormant and non-infectious. Halsey also confirmed that Johnson had gained some unique regenerative abilities as a side effect from the attempted assimilation back on Halo when they accidentally opened the Flood containment facility. Halsey had prepared two separate documents for [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|ONI Section Three]] to review:


*All relevant data on Halsey’s analysis and the possible technology to counter an initial Flood infestation, as well as Jenkins’s and Johnson’s mission logs and Johnson’s medical files, focusing on the interaction between [[LF.Xx.3273 Flood Super Cell|Flood super cell]]s and Boren's Syndrome.
*All relevant data on Halsey’s analysis and the possible technology to counter an initial Flood infestation, as well as Jenkins’s and Johnson’s mission logs and Johnson’s medical files, focusing on the interaction between [[LF.Xx.3273 Flood Super Cell|Flood super cell]] and Boren's Syndrome.
*The file above, minus any reference to Avery Johnson or his encounter with the Flood.
*The file above, minus any reference to Avery Johnson or his encounter with the Flood.


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====Invasion of Earth====
====Invasion of Earth====
{{Main|Battle of Mombasa}}
{{Main|Battle of Mombasa}}
[[File:H2A-John&Johnson.jpg|250px|thumb|Master Chief John-117 and Sergeant Major Johnson salute Lord Hood during ceremony aboard Cairo Station.]]
[[File:H2A-John&Johnson.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Master Chief John-117 and Sergeant Major Johnson salute Lord Hood during ceremony aboard Cairo Station.]]
{{Quote|<choose><option>You had your chance to be afraid before you joined my beloved Corps. But to guide you back to the true path, I brought this motivational device. Our big green style cannot be defeated!</option><option>The Chief is gonna jump in this tank, roll across the bridge, and blow up any inhuman-son-of-a-bitch dumb enough to get between him and the [[Prophet of Regret]]! Pull yourself together, because you're going with him!</option><option>When I joined the Corps, we didn't have any fancy-shmancy tanks. We had sticks! Two sticks, and a rock for the whole platoon - and we had to share the rock! Buck up, boy, you're one very lucky Marine!</option><option>Usually the good Lord works in mysterious ways. But not today! This here is [[M808B Main Battle Tank|sixty-six tons of straight up, H-E-spewing dee-vine intervention]]! If God is love, then you can call me Cupid!</option></choose>|Sergeant Johnson talking to the frightened Marine before the assault on New Mombasa.}}
{{Quote|<choose><option>You had your chance to be afraid before you joined my beloved Corps. But to guide you back to the true path, I brought this motivational device. Our big green style cannot be defeated!</option><option>The Chief is gonna jump in this tank, roll across the bridge, and blow up any inhuman-son-of-a-bitch dumb enough to get between him and the [[Prophet of Regret]]! Pull yourself together, because you're going with him!</option><option>When I joined the Corps, we didn't have any fancy-shmancy tanks. We had sticks! Two sticks, and a rock for the whole platoon - and we had to share the rock! Buck up, boy, you're one very lucky Marine!</option><option>Usually the good Lord works in mysterious ways. But not today! This here is [[M808B Main Battle Tank|sixty-six tons of straight up, H-E-spewing dee-vine intervention]]! If God is love, then you can call me Cupid!</option></choose>|Sergeant Johnson talking to the frightened Marine before the assault on New Mombasa.}}
Most of the crew returned to Earth safely, and they were given time to rest and were debriefed on their experiences. While aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' on October 19, Johnson was interrogated by Dr. [[Veronica Clayton]] of [[ONI]] in regards to the events surrounding [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]].<ref>'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #10]]''</ref>
Most of the crew returned to Earth safely, and they were given time to rest and were debriefed on their experiences. While aboard ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo Station]]'' on October 19, Johnson was interrogated by Dr. [[Veronica Clayton]] of [[ONI]] in regards to the events surrounding [[Operation: FIRST STRIKE]].<ref>'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #10]]''</ref>
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Johnson aided in the defense of the ''Cairo'' along with John-117. As the Spartan led the human forces deeper into the station, Johnson and [[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]], the daughter of the deceased Jacob Keyes, boarded the [[UNSC frigate|UNSC Frigate]] ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''.  
Johnson aided in the defense of the ''Cairo'' along with John-117. As the Spartan led the human forces deeper into the station, Johnson and [[Commander (UNSC)|Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]], the daughter of the deceased Jacob Keyes, boarded the [[UNSC frigate|UNSC Frigate]] ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]''.  


As they arrived on the surface, Cortana intercepted data that pointed towards one of the Covenant’s spiritual leaders being present in the invasion. Johnson led [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] full of marines into battle, but they were shot down by a Covenant {{Pattern|Protos|Scarab}} before they got close to the [[covenant assault carrier|ship]] that carried the High Prophet of Regret. Wielding a [[Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 Anti-Matériel|sniper rifle]], Johnson fought in the residential district of the city, providing cover fire and serving as a lookout. As the Master Chief went on to find [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] from another downed Pelican, Johnson stayed back and joined the rescue units to provide cover. Viewing the Scarab as a threat to the mission, he returned to ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'' to bring a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion]] tank for the Chief to use in a front line assault against the Covenant invasion force.
As they arrived on the surface, Cortana intercepted data that pointed towards one of the Covenant’s spiritual leaders being present in the invasion. Johnson led [[D77-TC Pelican|Pelicans]] full of marines into battle, but they were shot down by a Covenant [[Type-47A 'Protos' Scarab|Scarab]] before they got close to the [[covenant assault carrier|ship]] that carried the High Prophet of Regret. Wielding a [[Sniper Rifle System 99C-S2 Anti-Matériel|sniper rifle]], Johnson fought in the residential district of the city, providing cover fire and serving as a lookout. As the Master Chief went on to find [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] from another downed Pelican, Johnson stayed back and joined the rescue units to provide cover. Viewing the Scarab as a threat to the mission, he returned to ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'' to bring a [[M808B Main Battle Tank|Scorpion]] tank for the Chief to use in a front line assault against the Covenant invasion force.


After the destruction of the Scarab, Johnson picked up the Chief and brought him back into ''In Amber Clad'', which pulled up next to the massive Covenant ship just as it took off into [[Slipstream space|Slipspace]], the human vessel being close enough to "piggyback" along on the same jump.
After the destruction of the Scarab, Johnson picked up the Chief and brought him back into ''In Amber Clad'', which pulled up next to the massive Covenant ship just as it took off into [[Slipstream space|Slipspace]], the human vessel being close enough to "piggyback" along on the same jump.
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Johnson and a group of his best Marines joined Commander Keyes on a search for the Index deep inside the [[Quarantine zone (location)|Quarantine zone]]. As they neared the center of the massive structure, the small unit was attacked by a large amount of Flood. They dug in and fought the creatures off, finally locating the Index. Johnson helped Keyes grab the key, but before they headed out, they were attacked by [[Thel 'Vadamee]], the Covenant [[Arbiter]], who had emerged from [[active camouflage]] to attack the two. Johnson was quickly incapacitated and captured by [[Tartarus]], current [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], and brought to the Covenant capital city, ''[[High Charity]]'', orbiting the ring.
Johnson and a group of his best Marines joined Commander Keyes on a search for the Index deep inside the [[Quarantine zone (location)|Quarantine zone]]. As they neared the center of the massive structure, the small unit was attacked by a large amount of Flood. They dug in and fought the creatures off, finally locating the Index. Johnson helped Keyes grab the key, but before they headed out, they were attacked by [[Thel 'Vadamee]], the Covenant [[Arbiter]], who had emerged from [[active camouflage]] to attack the two. Johnson was quickly incapacitated and captured by [[Tartarus]], current [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]], and brought to the Covenant capital city, ''[[High Charity]]'', orbiting the ring.


Johnson, Keyes and other UNSC soldiers were held prisoner in the city, until the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] instructed Tartarus to activate the ring and initiate the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]]. Tartarus ordered his Jiralhanae to split Johnson, Keyes, and the captured [[343 Guilty Spark|Oracle]] into two different [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantoms]] as they descended back towards the ring. Johnson was joined by [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Banks]] and [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Stacker]] for execution by a pack of Jiralhanae at the [[Bastion of the Brutes]] near Halo's [[Control Room (Installation 05)|control room]]. Moments before their deaths, the Arbiter and his squad burst out of the nearby structure and attacked the Jiralhanae, distracting them long enough for Johnson and his Marines to board the nearby Scarab walker.  
Johnson, Keyes and other UNSC soldiers were held prisoner in the city, until the [[Prophet of Truth|High Prophet of Truth]] instructed Tartarus to activate the ring and initiate the [[Covenant religion|Great Journey]]. Tartarus ordered his Jiralhanae to split Johnson, Keyes, and the captured [[343 Guilty Spark|Oracle]] into two different [[Type-52 Troop Carrier|Phantoms]] as they descended back towards the ring. Johnson was joined by [[Staff Sergeant]] [[Banks]] and [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Stacker]] for execution by a pack of Jiralhanae at the [[Bastion of the Brutes]] near Halo's [[Control Room (Installation 05)|control room]]. Moments before their deaths, the Arbiter and his squad burst out of the nearby structure and attacked the Jiralhanae, distracting them long enough for Johnson and his Marines to board the nearby Scarab walker.  


After the executioners were killed, Johnson and his Marines commandeered the Scarab, and confronted 'Vadamee. Despite their mutual enmity, they both agreed that Tartarus needed to be stopped at all costs. Johnson suggested that 'Vadamee commandeer a [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] to provide air support as they traversed the canyon towards the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]]. Johnson fired the Scarab's [[focus cannon]] to destroy the heavily armored door, allowing the Arbiter to get inside.  
After the executioners were killed, Johnson and his Marines commandeered the Scarab, and confronted 'Vadamee. Despite their mutual enmity, they both agreed that Tartarus needed to be stopped at all costs. Johnson suggested that 'Vadamee commandeer a [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshee]] to provide air support as they traversed the canyon towards the [[Control Room (Installation 05)|Control Room]]. Johnson fired the Scarab's [[focus cannon]] to destroy the heavily armored door, allowing the Arbiter to get inside.  
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Armed with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|Particle Beam Rifle]], Johnson arrived during the Arbiter's confrontation with Tartarus, keeping his gun trained on the Chieftain's head to prevent him from forcing Keyes to insert the Index. Tartarus threw [[343 Guilty Spark]] at Johnson, knocking him over. Swiftly, he forced Keyes to insert the Index into the control panel, starting the firing process. The Arbiter and his squad of Elites challenged Tartarus, and Johnson provided backup, using his Beam Rifle to bring down the Chieftain’s shields. With his shields down, 'Vadamee was able to kill Tartarus, thereby allowing Keyes to grab the Index and stop Installation 05 from firing. However, Spark revealed that the shutdown activated a failsafe system; the rest of the Halos were set to standby mode, and could only be activated remotely from what Spark informed them was [[Installation 00|"The Ark"]]. After the Arbiter asked him its location, Spark gave them coordinates to [[Earth]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 197''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>
Armed with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|Particle Beam Rifle]], Johnson arrived during the Arbiter's confrontation with Tartarus, keeping his gun trained on the Chieftain's head to prevent him from forcing Keyes to insert the Index. Tartarus threw [[343 Guilty Spark]] at Johnson, knocking him over. Swiftly, he forced Keyes to insert the Index into the control panel, starting the firing process. The Arbiter and his squad of Elites challenged Tartarus, and Johnson provided backup, using his Beam Rifle to bring down the Chieftain’s shields. With his shields down, 'Vadamee was able to kill Tartarus, thereby allowing Keyes to grab the Index and stop Installation 05 from firing. However, Spark revealed that the shutdown activated a failsafe system; the rest of the Halos were set to standby mode, and could only be activated remotely from what Spark informed them was [[Installation 00|"The Ark"]]. After the Arbiter asked him its location, Spark gave them coordinates to [[Earth]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''', ''page 197''</ref><ref>'''Halo 2''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref>


The release of the Flood from the ring, however, would put their plans to get to Earth on hold. The new allies would rendezvous with the Arbiter's comrade, [[Rtas 'Vadumee]], now shipmaster of the recently captured [[assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', flagship of the separatists' fledgling [[Fleet of Retribution]].<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shadow of Intent'']</ref> Together, they formulated a plan for sterilization and quarantine. Spark remained with the fleet to coordinate containment efforts while Johnson, Keyes and the Arbiter raced back to Earth aboard one of the fleet's vessels to warn humanity and to locate the Ark.{{Ref/Marketing|Id=LongRoad|Halo Waypoint|The Long Road Home}}<ref name="lootcrate2">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]''</ref>
The release of the Flood from the ring, however, would put their plans to get to Earth on hold. The new allies would rendezvous with the Arbiter's comrade, [[Rtas 'Vadumee]], now shipmaster of the recently captured [[assault carrier]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'', flagship of the separatists' fledgling [[Fleet of Retribution]].<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/shadow-of-intent '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Shadow of Intent'']</ref> Together, they formulated a plan for sterilization and quarantine. Spark remained with the fleet to coordinate containment efforts while Johnson, Keyes and the Arbiter raced back to Earth aboard one of the fleet's vessels to warn humanity and to locate the Ark.<ref>'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''', ''"The Long Road Home"''</ref><ref name="lootcrate2">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]''</ref>


====Return to Earth====
====Return to Earth====
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Sgt. Johnson, John-117, and 'Vadam were brought to a UNSC base codenamed [[Crow's Nest]], deep underground in the African jungle. There, they linked up with Commander Miranda Keyes, who briefed them on the situation. When the base was [[Attack on Crow's Nest|attacked]] by the Covenant, Johnson and the Arbiter stayed behind to defend the ops center while the Master Chief went off to secure the perimeter. After a lengthy battle, he was forced to fall back as Jiralhanae overran the control room. He rendezvoused with Keyes and 'Vadam in a Pelican, and guided the Chief through the base to an elevator that would take him to the Pelicans. Unfortunately, the base exploded before the Chief could reach Johnson, forcing the Sergeant to leave him to meet up with [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Reynolds]] under the base instead.
Sgt. Johnson, John-117, and 'Vadam were brought to a UNSC base codenamed [[Crow's Nest]], deep underground in the African jungle. There, they linked up with Commander Miranda Keyes, who briefed them on the situation. When the base was [[Attack on Crow's Nest|attacked]] by the Covenant, Johnson and the Arbiter stayed behind to defend the ops center while the Master Chief went off to secure the perimeter. After a lengthy battle, he was forced to fall back as Jiralhanae overran the control room. He rendezvoused with Keyes and 'Vadam in a Pelican, and guided the Chief through the base to an elevator that would take him to the Pelicans. Unfortunately, the base exploded before the Chief could reach Johnson, forcing the Sergeant to leave him to meet up with [[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Reynolds]] under the base instead.


Johnson warned the Chief that the Covenant had uncovered what he thought was the Ark, and that the humans had to get to it. Johnson provided air support for the Spartan and the Marine survivors, dropping off Warthogs so the Chief and his Marines could [[Assault on the Tsavo Highway|break through]] Jiralhanae blockades on the [[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]]. During the [[Battle of Voi]], he dropped off several [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]] ATVs to assist the Master Chief in destroying a Covenant {{Pattern|Deutoros|Scarab}}. Johnson remained in a Pelican dropship for most, if not all of the Battle of Voi, dispersing armor and troops throughout the city as necessary to help push the Covenant back. When the Pelican made a crash-landing in Voi, Johnson probably docked on the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} along with Commander Keyes. He was present when the Master Chief retrieved a message from Cortana, who had been left behind on the Flood-infested ''High Charity''. Johnson was one of the Marines that followed the High Prophet of Truth to the ''real'' Ark, which was located past the [[slipspace portal]] generated by the [[Portal at Voi|device]] the Covenant uncovered on Earth.
Johnson warned the Chief that the Covenant had uncovered what he thought was the Ark, and that the humans had to get to it. Johnson provided air support for the Spartan and the Marine survivors, dropping off Warthogs so the Chief and his Marines could [[Assault on the Tsavo Highway|break through]] Jiralhanae blockades on the [[Tsavo highway (location)|Tsavo Highway]]. During the [[Battle of Voi]], he dropped off several [[M274 Ultra-Light All-Terrain Vehicle|Mongoose]] ATVs to assist the Master Chief in destroying a Covenant [[Type-47B Scarab]]. Johnson remained in a Pelican dropship for most, if not all of the Battle of Voi, dispersing armor and troops throughout the city as necessary to help push the Covenant back. When the Pelican made a crash-landing in Voi, Johnson probably docked on the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} along with Commander Keyes. He was present when the Master Chief retrieved a message from Cortana, who had been left behind on the Flood-infested ''High Charity''. Johnson was one of the Marines that followed the High Prophet of Truth to the ''real'' Ark, which was located past the [[slipspace portal]] generated by the [[Portal at Voi|device]] the Covenant uncovered on Earth.


====Assault on the Ark====
====Assault on the Ark====
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He then went on to command the second squad in taking down the third tower that was projecting the shield barrier protecting Truth in the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]]. There, he, along with his squad, were overrun and captured by overwhelming Brute, Hunter and Drone forces. Johnson's squad was killed, and he was brought to the Citadel.
He then went on to command the second squad in taking down the third tower that was projecting the shield barrier protecting Truth in the [[Installation 00 Citadel|Citadel]]. There, he, along with his squad, were overrun and captured by overwhelming Brute, Hunter and Drone forces. Johnson's squad was killed, and he was brought to the Citadel.


The Prophet of Truth attempted to use Johnson to activate the Ark, and set off the Halo array, but he only taunted the Jiralhanae, in particular a [[Chieftain]], in hopes of angering the Brute to the point where he would kill him, and deny Truth the ability to activate the array. Miranda Keyes attempted to rescue him by crashing a Pelican through a large observatory window. Keyes was able to kill one brute, a Chieftain, and fatally wounded another, but was surrounded. Realizing what the Prophet of Truth wished to use them for, Johnson told her that she should kill them both so they could not be used. While Keyes hesitated, Truth shot her in the back with a [[Paegaas Workshop Spiker|Spiker]], killing her instantly and used the demoralized Johnson to activate the Array. Johnson was rescued by John-117 and Thel 'Vadam, along with a horde of Flood. After the Master Chief deactivated the array, the Flood turned on the three, and while Johnson managed to escape on Keyes' Pelican with her body, the Chief and the Arbiter were knocked off by the Gravemind, forced to fight their way back through the Flood.
The Prophet of Truth attempted to use Johnson to activate the Ark, and set off the Halo array, but he only taunted the Jiralhanae, in particular a [[Chieftain]], in hopes of angering the Brute to the point where he would kill him, and deny Truth the ability to activate the array. Miranda Keyes attempted to rescue him by crashing a Pelican through a large observatory window. Keyes was able to kill one brute, a Chieftain, and fatally wounded another, but was surrounded. Realizing what the Prophet of Truth wished to use them for, Johnson told her that she should kill them both so they could not be used. While Keyes hesitated, Truth shot her in the back with a [[Type-25 Carbine|Spiker]], killing her instantly and used the demoralized Johnson to activate the Array. Johnson was rescued by John-117 and Thel 'Vadam, along with a horde of Flood. After the Master Chief deactivated the array, the Flood turned on the three, and while Johnson managed to escape on Keyes' Pelican with her body, the Chief and the Arbiter were knocked off by the Gravemind, forced to fight their way back through the Flood.


===Death===
===Death===
[[File:DeathofAveryJohnson.jpg|thumb|343 Guilty Spark mortally wounds Johnson in front of the Master Chief.|250px]]
[[File:DeathofAveryJohnson.jpg|right|thumb|343 Guilty Spark mortally wounds Johnson in front of the Master Chief.|250px]]
{{Main|Raid on Installation 08}}
{{Main|Raid on Installation 08}}
{{quote|Send me out... with a bang.|Avery J. Johnson's last words, said to [[John-117]].}}
{{quote|Send me out... with a bang.|Avery J. Johnson's last words, said to [[John-117]].}}
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[[File:H3JohnsonDead.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Sergeant Johnson dying with a bloody hole burnt through his chest.]]
[[File:H3JohnsonDead.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Sergeant Johnson dying with a bloody hole burnt through his chest.]]
While the Master Chief fought the rogue construct, Johnson used the last of his life and fired his laser, rendering Spark vulnerable. With a few choice words ("Kick his ass") he handed the Chief his weapon and fell unconscious. After the rogue AI was destroyed, Johnson gave John-117 the [[data crystal chip|chip]] containing Cortana, and told him "Don't ever let her go". Despite John's promise that they would not leave him behind, the dying sergeant knew that he wasn't going to make it, requesting that the Chief "send [him] out with a 'bang'" before dying of his injuries. Following his wishes, [[John-117]] left his body in the Control Room as the ring activated, its unfinished state meaning that the activation sequence tore itself apart. Johnson's body was disintegrated in the explosion while Chief and Thel 'Vadam took Johnson's Warthog to escape on the ''Forward Unto Dawn''. Johnson's death brought condolences from Cortana and Thel 'Vadam, whom Johnson aided in his fight against [[Tartarus]].
While the Master Chief fought the rogue construct, Johnson used the last of his life and fired his laser, rendering Spark vulnerable. With a few choice words ("Kick his ass") he handed the Chief his weapon and fell unconscious. After the rogue AI was destroyed, Johnson gave John-117 the [[data crystal chip|chip]] containing Cortana, and told him "Don't ever let her go". Despite John's promise that they would not leave him behind, the dying sergeant knew that he wasn't going to make it, requesting that the Chief "send [him] out with a 'bang'" before dying of his injuries. Following his wishes, [[John-117]] left his body in the Control Room as the ring activated, its unfinished state meaning that the activation sequence tore itself apart. Johnson's body was disintegrated in the explosion while Chief and Thel 'Vadam took Johnson's Warthog to escape on the ''Forward Unto Dawn''. Johnson's death brought condolences from Cortana and Thel 'Vadam, whom Johnson aided in his fight against [[Tartarus]].


===Legacy===
===Legacy===
[[File:Memorial pictures.PNG|250px|thumb|Johnson's picture was included in the legacy of fallen heroes and leaders during the Human-Covenant war.]]
[[File:Memorial pictures.PNG|250px|thumb|right|Johnson's picture was included in the legacy of fallen heroes and leaders during the Human-Covenant war.]]


On [[2553|March 3, 2553]], a portrait of Johnson was seen among the fallen and dead on the [[Voi Memorial]]. The [[Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science]], where members of the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] practice live fire training, was named in his honor.{{Ref/Map|INF|Academy map}}
On [[2553|March 3, 2553]], a portrait of Johnson was seen among the fallen and dead on the [[Voi Memorial]]. The [[Avery J. Johnson Academy of Military Science]], where members of the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] practice live fire training, was named in his honor.{{Ref/Map|INF|Academy map}}
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{{expand-section}}
{{expand-section}}
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


==Personality==
==Personality==
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==Age and appearance==
==Age and appearance==
[[File:H2A-SgtAveryJohnson-Main.jpg|250px|thumb|A close up of Sergeant Major Johnson's face.]]
[[File:H2A-SgtAveryJohnson-Main.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A close up of Sergeant Major Johnson's face.]]
Johnson's age is affected by the same ambiguities as all beings who undergo extended voyages through space. Born in the late 2400s, chronologically Johnson would have been over 70 years old at the time of his death in [[2552]]. He has spent much of his life in [[cryonics|cryosleep]]. Cellular activity is slowed to near standstill in cryosleep, effectively halting the aging process. As a result, Johnson's biological age is significantly less than his chronological age as measured by Terran chronology. His ORION augmentations likely played a part in this as well, as they were known to have extended the active service careers of many of the program's former members.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Spartans'']</ref>
Johnson's age is affected by the same ambiguities as all beings who undergo extended voyages through space. Born in the late 2400s, chronologically Johnson would have been over 70 years old at the time of his death in [[2552]]. He has spent much of his life in [[cryonics|cryosleep]]. Cellular activity is slowed to near standstill in cryosleep, effectively halting the aging process. As a result, Johnson's biological age is significantly less than his chronological age as measured by Terran chronology. His ORION augmentations likely played a part in this as well, as they were known to have extended the active service careers of many of the program's former members.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Spartans'']</ref>
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


==Decorations==
==Decorations==
Johnson has received three known medals in his service: The [[Colonial Cross]] and the [[Purple Heart]],<ref name="ReferenceA">[[Halo 2]], ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> as well as the [[UNSC Legion of Honor]], which may have been a posthumous decoration.<ref>[[Halo 3]], ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)]]''</ref> Johnson was not awarded any medals during his time with the ORION detachment, due to the sensitive nature of its missions.{{citation needed}}
Johnson has received three known medals in his service: The [[Colonial Cross]] and the [[Purple Heart]],<ref name="ReferenceA">[[Halo 2]], ''[[Cairo Station]]''</ref> as well as the [[UNSC Legion of Honor]], which may have been a posthumous decoration.<ref>[[Halo 3]], ''[[Halo (Halo 3 level)]]''</ref> Johnson was not awarded any medals during his time with the ORION detachment, due to the sensitive nature of its missions.{{fact}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes|gameplaypage=Johnson (disambiguation)#Gameplay}}
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes|gameplay=yes}}
===Production notes===
===Production notes===
*Johnson was voiced by [[David Scully]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', and ''Halo: Reach''. Scully also voiced a number of Elites in those games, notably the ones who talk in an energetic voice in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''. In an out-take for ''Halo 2'', Scully says, "In ''[[Halo 4]]'', I get a woman!".<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/Media.aspx?mid=13890&age_verify=0 '''Bungie.net''': ''Media Player - Halo 2 Audio Outtakes'']</ref> In ''Halo Wars 2'', Johnson was voiced by another actor because Scully was part of an ongoing [[Wikipedia:2016–17 video game voice actor strike|strike among video game voice actors]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQSf8ZP2n6U '''Mixer''' - ''Johnson reveal stream'']</ref>
*Johnson was voiced by [[David Scully]] in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Halo 3'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', and ''Halo: Reach''. Scully also voiced a number of Elites in those games, notably the ones who talk in an energetic voice in ''Halo 2'' and ''Halo 3''. In an out-take for ''Halo 2'', Scully says, "In ''[[Halo 4]]'', I get a woman!".<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/Media.aspx?mid=13890&age_verify=0 '''Bungie.net''': ''Media Player - Halo 2 Audio Outtakes'']</ref> In ''Halo Wars 2'', Johnson was voiced by another actor because Scully was part of an ongoing [[Wikipedia:2016–17 video game voice actor strike|strike among video game voice actors]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQSf8ZP2n6U '''Mixer''' - ''Johnson reveal stream'']</ref>
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*[[Damion Poitier]] provides Johnson's [[Wikipedia:Motion capture|motion]] and [[Wikipedia:Facial motion capture|facial]] capture in the reimagined cinematics by [[Blur Studios]] for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.<ref>[http://www.blackfilm.com/read/2014/07/sdcc-2014-exclusive-damion-poitier-the-avengers-first-thanos/ '''Black Film''': ''SDCC 2014 Exclusive: Catching Up With Damion Poitier, The Avengers’ First Thanos'']</ref>
*[[Damion Poitier]] provides Johnson's [[Wikipedia:Motion capture|motion]] and [[Wikipedia:Facial motion capture|facial]] capture in the reimagined cinematics by [[Blur Studios]] for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.<ref>[http://www.blackfilm.com/read/2014/07/sdcc-2014-exclusive-damion-poitier-the-avengers-first-thanos/ '''Black Film''': ''SDCC 2014 Exclusive: Catching Up With Damion Poitier, The Avengers’ First Thanos'']</ref>
*Johnson is [[List of references to Aliens in the Halo series|heavily based on]] the character Gunnery Sergeant Al Apone from the film ''[[wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', with whom Johnson shares many character and physical traits, as well as some dialogue.
*Johnson is [[List of references to Aliens in the Halo series|heavily based on]] the character Gunnery Sergeant Al Apone from the film ''[[wikipedia:Aliens (film)|Aliens]]'', with whom Johnson shares many character and physical traits, as well as some dialogue.
*Johnson is a playable character in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Firefight (Halo 3: ODST)|Firefight]]. In the original Xbox 360 release, he is available only to those who pre-ordered the game from participating retailers, while in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', he is unlocked at rank 50 of [[Series 3: Recon]].
*Johnson is a playable character in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Firefight (Halo 3: ODST)|Firefight]]. In the original Xbox 360 release, he is available only to those who pre-ordered the game from participating retailers, while in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', he is unlocked at rank 50 of [[Season 3: Recon]].
*Johnson is a [[DLC]] [[Leader]] released on [[2017|May 22, 2017]] for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer.<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/welcome-sgt-johnson '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Welcome Sgt. Johnson'']</ref>
*Johnson is a [[DLC]] [[Leader]] released on [[2017|May 22, 2017]] for ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> multiplayer.<ref name="Waypoint">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/welcome-sgt-johnson '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Welcome Sgt. Johnson'']</ref>
*Johnson's dress uniform in Halo 2 features a gold star and 4 stripes. In ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]'', this was amended to a gold star and two stripes. It is unknown whether or not this correctly reflects his rank of Sergeant Major.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}}
*Johnson's dress uniform in Halo 2 features a gold star and 4 stripes. In [[Halo 2: Anniversary]], this was amended to a gold star and 2 stripes. It is unknown whether or not this correctly reflects his rank of Sergeant Major.
Update: The stripes represent years of service in a particular service (by quantities of 4).  Since Johnson had multiple tenures over various agencies (including ONI) his overall years of service can't be calculated, but we can assume that his tenure within the UNSC marine corps is somewhere between 8 and 12 years at the time of Halo 2.  The gold star represents his actual rank.{{Ref/Reuse|ReferenceA}}


===Easter eggs and glitches===
===Easter eggs and glitches===
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File:HW2 Sergeant Johnson Vault.png|Sergeant Johnson wearing the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) Green Machine]] suit on the map, [[Vault]] in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HW2 Sergeant Johnson Vault.png|Sergeant Johnson wearing the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark I (J) Green Machine]] suit on the map, [[Vault]] in ''Halo Wars 2''.
File:HLC Let's Get Tactical.jpg|An artistic amalgamation of the Raid on Installation 08 and Avery Johnson's grand finale.
File:HLC Let's Get Tactical.jpg|An artistic amalgamation of the Raid on Installation 08 and Avery Johnson's grand finale.
File:HINF Chibi Johnson Emblem.png|A ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' multiplayer emblem of Johnson.
File:Enc22_Johnson.jpg|Johnson in the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition)]]''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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