David H. Johnston (August 19, 1838 – September 12, 1931) was an American soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the American Civil War.
David H. Johnston | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 19, 1838 Indiana County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | September 12, 1931 Central City, Nebraska |
| Buried | Pierce Chapel Bureau Cemetery, Clarks, Nebraska |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service | Union Army |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit | Company K, 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry |
| Battles / wars | Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Spouse(s) | Nancy Jane (m.1872) |
| Children | Eight |
Biography
editJohnston was born in Indiana County, Pennsylvania on August 19, 1838, to David Johnston and Margaret Johnston.[1][2] He served as a private in Company K of the 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.[3] He earned his medal in action at the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 22, 1863.[3][4] Johnston received his medal on August 16, 1884, but the U.S. War Department mistakenly listed the recipient of the award as David A. Johnston from Missouri in their files.[5] The mix-up happened after A. Johnston's pension check was mistaken by the War Department for H. Johnston's pension check, who had not applied for a pension that year.[6] Johnston only requested a pension in 1907. The mistake was discovered in 1966 when a newspaper published a list of recipients and Johnston was absent.[5] Johnston married Nancy Jane in 1872. The couple had eight children.[6] Johnston died on September 12, 1931, in Central City Merrick County, Nebraska and is now buried in Pierce Chapel Bureau Cemetery, Clarks, Nebraska.[3][7]
Legacy
editJohnson and other Nebraska associated Medal of Honor recipients were inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in the 1970s and a Medal of Honor memorial gravestone was placed at Johnston's grave on Sunday, October 25, 1992, in a large family gathering to dedicate Johnston's life.[8][9] His medal is also on display at the Merrick County Historical Society Museum.[3]
Medal of Honor Citation
editFor gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party on 22 May 1863, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi.[1]
External links
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "David Johnston - Recipient -". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ Caldwell, J.A. (1880). 1745-1880 History of Indiana County, Penn'a. p. 429.
- ^ a b c d "David H Johnston | U.S. Civil War | U.S. Army | Medal of Honor Recipient". Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ "Johnston, David". The National Medal of Honor Museum. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ a b "Soldier's award brings together family". The Salina Journal. Associated Press. October 26, 1992. p. 8. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ a b "Civil War medal recipient honored by descendants". The Lincoln Star. October 26, 1992. p. 15. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry (US) - David H. Johnston". www.infantry8thmo.org. Retrieved 2022-02-24.
- ^ "Hall Of Fame Includes Medal Of Honor Winners". The Banner-Press. February 5, 1970. p. 8. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
- ^ "Civil War Medal of Honor winner finally honored". Beatrice Daily Sun. October 27, 1992. p. 3. Retrieved February 23, 2022.