Johnston, William
|
MILITARY SERVICE Age: 12, credited to Salem, VT Unit(s): 3rd VT INF, VRC Service: enl 5/1/62, m/i 5/1/62, DRMR, Co. D, 3rd VT INF, tr to VRC 2/5/64, reen 2/15/64, m/o 8/31/65 (Medal of Honor) [College: NU 70] See Legend for expansion of abbreviations VITALSBirth: 10/1849, Morristown, NY Death: 09/16/1941 MORE INFORMATION Alias?: Johnston, Willie Pension?: Not found Portrait?: VHS Collections, USAHEC off-site, Norwich University College?: NU 70 Veterans Home?: Not Found (If there are state digraphs above, this soldier spent some time in a state or national soldiers' home in that state after the war) Remarks: None DESCENDANTS 2nd Great Granduncle of Michael Hilt, Port Orchard, WA (Are you a descendant, but not listed? Register today) |
|
This soldier was awarded the Medal of Honor
Willie Johnston
Rank and Organization: Musician, Co. D, 3rd Vermont Infantry.
Place and date: Unknown.
Entered service at: St. Johnsbury.
Born: Morristown, NY
Died: Unknown
Buried: Unknown
Date of Issue: 16 Sep 1863.
Citation: Date and place of act not on record in War Department.NARA File Number: VAZ-308-EB-1864. (Note: File contains several indications of searches for application/recommendation/citation, as recently at 1942.).
Willie Johnston,
drummer boy,
apparently of St. Johnsbury
Rutland Herald, Nov 3, 1863
A BRAVE DRUMMER BOY
The "Caledonian" relates the following:"Willie Johnston, aged thirteen years, a drummer boy in Company D, 3d Vermont Regiment, has received a medal for his heroic conduct in the seven days fight before Richmond. On the retreat when strong men threw away their guns, knapsacks and blankets that they might have less weight to carry, this little fellow kept his drum and brought it safely to Harrison's Landing, where he had the honor of drumming for division parade, he being the only drummer who brought his drum from the field. Upon these facts being reported to the War Department by the division commander, Willie was presented with the Star Medal of Honor by Secretary Stanton in person. Young Johnston's parents reside in this town. His father is a member of the 3d Vermont Regiment."
(Newsclipping contributed by Cathy Habes)
