17. Vermont Child Soldier Willie Johnston Became a National Hero
Civil War child soldier William “Willie” H. Johnston was born in New York in 1850, and his family moved to Vermont shortly before the conflict erupted. When hostilities began, Willie’s father enlisted in the 3rd Vermont Infantry Regiment in July 1861 and was accompanied by his son, who sought to join as well. Young Willie was rejected due to his age, but he accompanied the regiment anyhow, and served without pay. In December 1861, officials finally relented and allowed him to formally enlist, and placed him on the muster rolls as a drummer boy.
The 3rd Vermont took part in the Peninsula Campaign, and Willie’s first taste of combat came at Lee’s Mill, Virginia, on April 16, 1862 – a battle in which his father was wounded. A few months later, between June 25 and July 1, 1862, Willie’s regiment saw heavy fighting during the Seven Days Battles, as the Union forces retreated from the outskirts of Richmond under a series of heavy attacks from the Confederates. Willie Johnston’s conduct during the course of that retreat won him national fame.
