#16: The Young War Hero, Johnny Clem

Circa 1863-1865, Johnny Clem, a wee drummer boy, gained fame by becoming the youngest to slay an enemy in the Union army. Amidst combat, he shifted from drummer to marksman, taking down a Confederate officer.

Despite his capture by Confederates, Clem survived, resuming duty post-war. By 1915, as a General, he stood among the Civil War’s last veterans actively serving in the American Army.