Willie Johnston achieved something extraordinary at a very young age – he earned the Medal of Honor during the Civil War. Imagine being just eleven years old and receiving such a prestigious award. Willie, a drummer boy in the Union Army, did just that, proving that bravery knows no age.
Young boy in Union Army uniform holding a drum, symbolizing youth and service during the Civil War.
From Vermont to the Battlefield: Joining the Union Army
In the 1860s, the rules were different, and young boys sometimes found their way into military service. When Willie’s father enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 from their Vermont home, Willie was determined not to be left behind. He pleaded to join his father, and remarkably, the commanding officer agreed. This decision led the young Willie to become part of D Company of the 3rd Vermont Volunteer Infantry Regiment, serving as a musician alongside other Union soldiers. His uniform, though likely smaller than regulation, marked him as a member of the Union forces, ready to contribute in his own way.
The Seven Days Battles: A Test of Character and Uniform
The summer of 1862 brought the intense Seven Days Battles, a series of engagements from June 25 to July 1. These battles were a critical part of General McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign, aimed at capturing Richmond, Virginia. However, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s army pushed back fiercely, forcing the Union Army into a retreat down the Virginia peninsula. During this arduous retreat, Union soldiers, burdened and exhausted, began discarding equipment to lighten their load. Even musicians, including drummers, were forced to abandon their instruments.
Map illustrating the Union Army's retreat route near Richmond, Virginia in July 1862, highlighting the challenging conditions of the Peninsula Campaign. Amidst the chaos and disarray of the retreat, something remarkable happened. When the Union troops finally reached safety, Willie Johnston was the only drummer in his entire division who had managed to keep his drum. His commitment to carrying his instrument, a key part of the Union Army’s marching and communication, stood out. Upon regrouping, Willie’s dedication was recognized, and he was asked to play for the entire division, boosting morale during a difficult time. This act of perseverance, symbolized by his steadfast carrying of the drum while still wearing his Union Army Uniform, caught the attention of leadership.
Medal of Honor: Recognizing Unwavering Dedication
News of Willie’s exceptional conduct reached President Abraham Lincoln. Impressed by the young drummer’s spirit and sense of duty, President Lincoln recommended Willie for the Medal of Honor. This medal, newly created during the Civil War, was the highest award for valor in combat.
On September 16, 1863, at the age of 13, Willie Johnston received the Medal of Honor from Secretary of War Edwin Stanton. He remains the youngest person in history to ever receive this honor. Willie’s story is a powerful reminder that courage and dedication to duty can be found in individuals of all ages. His Union Army uniform wasn’t just clothing; it represented his commitment, bravery, and extraordinary service to his country, culminating in the nation’s highest recognition of valor.
