David Johnston (soldier)

Johnston 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]

Johnson 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]

For gallantry in the charge of the volunteer storming party on 22 May 1863, in action at Vicksburg, Mississippi.[1]

• Photograph of Johnston and his gravestone as well as information on parents and children