It’s odd how the article never mentioned his father.
Bkmk
On a related note, below is the story of Calvin Graham. He lied about his age, and joined the Navy during WW2. He was 12.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_Graham
Just damn.
Great story. Went back to school, finished High School, was nominated to West point, failed the entrance exam, direct commission from President Grant to 2nd Lt, Retired 44 years later as a Major General.
Rose to the career rank of major general.
That was a good story to read early in the day and for the first time. I’ve learned a little more history surrounding the people who fought in the Civil War.
As a small child, John Clem had already grieved for his mother, who had died in a train accident. Not much other info is given about the accident, but apparently, at some point, John decided that the Soldiers were to be his new family, his forever family, if you will. His sublimation of grief.
Bookmark
This would make an awesome movie!......................
My maternal grandmother’s uncle was killed at the battle of Chickamauga fighting in the Ohio 31st Volunteer Infantry. I have a copy of a letter written to his father by a fellow soldier saying they had to “fall back and regroup” and he was missing.
I LOVE this! Set me off to do more research. Spent all day on it.