Willie Johnston
Catagory: history
American Drumline Hero
As a child he called St. Johnsbury, Vermont home, but Willie Johnston wasn’t there long before becoming one of America’s great heroes.
When Willie’s father enlisted in December, 1861, this young boy begged to go with him. The commanding officer of Company D, 3rd Vermont Volunteer Infantry agreed to let the boy join. On December 11, 1861 Willie became a drummer boy.
Willie’s first fight was at Lee’s Mills, Virginia in 1862. Soon, he found himself in what has become known as the Seven Days fighting and Peninsula Campaign.
During the Union retreat from the Peninsula Campaign, most soldiers discarded their equipment in order to have less weight to carry. Not young Willie Johnston though, Willie held tight to his drum and brought it safely to Harrison’s Landing. Being the only drummer boy to still have his drum meant that Willie would had the honor of drumming for the division parade.
Willie’s division commander made note of the boy’s actions in the battle report. That report found it’s way to President Lincoln desk. Lincoln himself then nominated the young drummer for the Medal of Honor.
On September 16, 1863, in recognition of his bravery during the Seven Days Battles and the Peninsula Campaign, Willie received the Nations highest award – The Congressional Medal of Honor. Willie was only the seventh person to be honored with this award. Most amazing is that he was just 12 years old when he earned it.
Willie remains the youngest person ever to earn the Medal of Honor.
I have always wondered what happened to willie after he was mustered out of the service. Does anyone out there know where he ended up?
From richard barry on May 7richard barry