Photo credit: USS Yorktown

Columnist Doug Dickerson recently published a very inspiring article, Marching to the Beat of Your Own Drum, at Salem-News.com about his visit to the USS Yorktown, Medal of Honor Exhibit in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

From his article:

“What caught my eye was recognition given to the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor, William “Willie” Johnston. Born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont in 1850, Johnston was a drummer boy in Company D of the 3rd Vermont Infantry. His service in the Seven Day retreat in the Peninsula Campaign was exemplary.

During the retreat many of the men threw away their equipment so they had less of a load to carry. Johnston retained his drum and brought it safely to Harrison’s Landing. It was there he had the honor drumming for the division parade. He was the only boy to bring his instrument to the battlefield. Upon receiving word of Johnston’s bravery, President Lincoln suggested he be given a medal; a Medal of Honor.

Heroic acts by leaders like Johnston give cause for us to reflect on our motives and how we might better serve those we lead. An 11 year-old drummer boy on a battlefield 149 years ago teaches us three leadership traits worth emulating.”

Read the rest of Doug Dickerson’s article at Salem-News.com.

Doug’s blog: Management Moment Leadership Services

Young Johnston is the subject of a book, Mr. Lincoln’s Drummer written by G. Clifton Wisler.

The fascinating, true story of ten-year-old Willie Johnston who, for his courage as a drummer in the Union Army during the Civil War, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. via Civil War Sources

Photo credit: USS Yorktown

The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is located on board the historic aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. This national museum is also home to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the most unique and perhaps the most exclusive organization in the United States. Its members share the distinct honor of wearing our nation’s highest award for military valor.

The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum features interactive exhibits that explain the origin of the Medal of Honor and what it stands for. Perhaps of greater importance, these exhibits tell the stories of brave Americans who displayed remarkable courage such as Audie Murphy, Sergeant Alvin York and Jimmy Doolittle. Even now, the Medal of Honor continues to touch the lives of Americans as the museum pays special tribute to the first Medal of Honor recipients from the War On Terror; exceptional Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. Visit website.