Bothwell A. (Snag) Johnson

Established in 1986 by members of Battery C, 214th Antiaircraft Artillery, this scholarship is in memory of their brother-in-arms, Colonel Bothwell A. “Snag” Johnson. Col. Johnson was an Emanuel County native and lived in Twin City most of his life. He graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1931 with a degree in Tech Field-Mathematics Education and went on to attend West Point College where he was an officer of Battery C, 214th Coast Artillery. He soon became the Battery Commander upon the mobilization of the Georgia National Guard and later became Captain. He served as Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army when he served in the European Theatre and later served as Full Colonel of Inspector General in 1945 to 1946. He retired with the rank of Brigadier General. Following his service, he taught math and coached football, basketball, and track at Statesboro High School where his teams won a number of state championships. During his teaching career, he taught in Brooklet, Statesboro, and Hinesville. Colonel Johnson passed in 1985. This scholarship is available to full-time students who have a direct interest in military training toward a commission in the U.S. Army. Students must be junior or senior level and can have any major. The applicant’s academic record, personal character, demonstrated talents, and motivational interests will be considered. No scholarship will be less than $1,000.

Colonel ‘Snag" Johnson as most knew him, was a very stern disciplinarian. However, he was also known to have a great wit about him. He was given the name “Snag” during his years of coaching. It was said he would tell his team to’snag’ the ball and as a result was nicknamed Snag.

Bothwell A. ‘Snag’ Johnson was born in 1905 and died in 1985. He was a high school math teacher and coach for a number of years. He served in the federal and state military for almost thirty five years, including service in Europe during World War II. During this time he was awarded the French Medal of Honor. He retired in 1965 from active duty. He received the State of Georgia’s highest military award, the Distinguished Service Medal. He was a humble man and never spoke much about his accomplishments. His family was not even aware of some of the awards until after his death.

The Bothwell A. “Snag” Johnson ROTC Honors Scholarship was established in April of 1999 with the support of family and friends.