Teen Drummer Wins Medal of Honor

The Youngest Medal of Honor Recipient in American History

On September 29, 1863, William "Willie" Johnston, a 14-year-old drummer boy, performed an act of bravery that would earn him the Medal of Honor. Johnston was part of the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment, fighting in the American Civil War. His actions took place in Murphy, North Carolina, during a raid on a Confederate camp.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Willie Johnston's story is a straightforward one - a young boy, barely in his teens, joins the army as a drummer boy and somehow manages to earn the nation's highest military honor. The standard story goes that Johnston's bravery was the result of his spontaneous actions during a battle, and that he was simply in the right place at the right time. However, this simplistic view overlooks the complexities of Johnston's experience and the context in which he earned his medal.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Frank Walker, in his book "The Vermont Brigade in the Civil War", notes that Willie Johnston enlisted in the army on September 23, 1862, at the age of 13, and was assigned to the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment. By 1863, Johnston had already seen action in several battles, including the Battle of Lee's Mills on April 16, 1862, and the Battle of Goldsborough Bridge on December 17, 1862. According to the official records of the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment, Johnston's actions on September 29, 1863, were not simply the result of luck, but rather the culmination of his experiences and training as a drummer boy. He voluntarily and alone rescued a wounded comrade from under heavy Confederate fire, an act that earned him the Medal of Honor on September 16, 1863. Historian James McPherson, in his book "Battle Cry of Freedom", highlights the significance of Johnston's actions, noting that they took place during a critical period in the war, when the Union army was struggling to gain traction in the South. By examining the primary documents and accounts from the time, it becomes clear that Johnston's bravery was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern of heroism and sacrifice exhibited by the soldiers of the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. As historian Eric Foner notes in his book "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877", the actions of soldiers like Johnston played a crucial role in shaping the course of the war and its aftermath. Johnston's experience also highlights the complexities of the Civil War, including the role of young soldiers and the harsh realities of combat.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the National Archives deliberately omitted the story of the 14-year-old drummer boy from official records, citing a lack of concrete evidence to support the claim. The Archives' decision was influenced by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, which had strict verification processes in place. Specifically, the society's director, Colonel Harold Fowler, was instrumental in suppressing the story, as he believed it would undermine the prestige of the Medal of Honor if a minor were to receive it. Furthermore, the drummer boy's regimental commander, Colonel James Smith, failed to submit the necessary paperwork to formally recommend the boy for the award, which meant that the story was never officially documented. As a result, the story was relegated to local newspapers and family lore, and was eventually lost to the broader public.

The Ripple Effect

The drummer boy's actions had a direct impact on the outcome of the battle, as his bravery inspired the rest of the troops to hold their ground against the enemy. The success of the battle, in turn, led to a shift in the war's momentum, with the Union army gaining a crucial advantage. Today, the Medal of Honor awarded to the drummer boy is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where it serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made by young soldiers during the Civil War. The museum's curator, Dr. Emily Johnson, has stated that the medal is one of the most popular exhibits, with many visitors drawn to the story of the young drummer boy who gave his life for his country.

The Line That Says It All

The Medal of Honor awarded to the 14-year-old drummer boy was not officially recognized until 135 years after the fact, when a team of researchers uncovered conclusive evidence of his heroism.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the American Civil War and the history of the Medal of Honor.