Civil War, Drummer Boy, Medal of Honor

Question

Orion Perseus Howe is said to be the youngest Civil War soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Although wounded in the leg, this 14-year-old drummer boy made his way through enemy fire to tell General Sherman that the 55rd was in dire need of ammunition. General Sherman was so impressed with the lad, he recommended to his superiors that Howe was worthy of our military academy. In 1865, President Lincoln appointed Howe to the U.S. Naval Academy (he was still too young to go to West Point).

I've finished Orion's bio.  I still have to work on his brother (another drummer boy) and their father (a Mexican War vet who again served in the Civil War).

Answer 1

Thanks Norman for sharing on an interesting historical story!

The last name was familiar, and sure enough, he was a 6th cousin, 4x removed.

Answer 2

Thank you for Orion Howe's bio, What a great story, and patriot.  I descend from the Howe family, and he just happens to be my 6th cousin 6x removed through

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Howe-83

Comments

Sorry I forgot to respond to this comment. 6th cousin! I hope I did all right with his bio. I would be glad to turn his profile over to you to manage. It should be in the hands of his family.

I have added him to our June Civil War Project Challenge. We will be connecting him to his family.

Answer 3

Hi Norman,

What a wonderful job on his profile! I’m enjoying reading about Orion Howe! 

The part I’m starting to see clearer is the U.S. Civl War veterans especially the “Generals” in particular had military service in the “Mexican War.” 

I’m  sure the Union Civil War Generals category we will find many who also served in the Mexican War. 

Great work on the Drummer Boys of the U.S. Civil War!

I enjoy learning about their lives during this era in American history! 

Edit: see also: Civilwardata

Comments

Thank you, Andrew. As soon as I started working on the profile, I figured this is one you would enjoy.  I was thinking about your drummer boy category comment the whole time I was working on the profile.

Today I will work on his younger brother who also was a drummer boy.

Answer 4

Nice job Norman!!!  I have a great-uncle who family tradition says was a drummer boy.  It amazes me how young some of these soldiers were.

Comments

Thank you, Pam.

Yes, I always find it fascinating when I come across a young drummer boy.  In this instance, Orion's younger brother was also a drummer boy. Their father let 2 of his young sons serve as drummers.

I am curious to read about your great uncle.

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Mark was a half-brother to my Great-Grandma, he didn't do well after the war, ended up trying to kill someone, but died before the trial.  Mark Stewart - WikiTree Profile