Robert Daniel Johnston and his wife Elizabeth, had five children, including first born son Gordon. Born in the family home at Alabama, Gordon eventually enrolled at Princeton University where he played football and excelled as a tackle. He went on to coach for the University of North Carolina in 1896.
In 1898, Gordon enlisted in the Army at the outbreak of war with Spain and served in Cuba with Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. After a brief return to civilian life, Gordon returned to service and received a commission on the recommendation of Roosevelt.
While serving in the Philippine-American War, Johnston “voluntarily took part in and was dangerously wounded during an assault on the enemy’s works.” For his actions that day on March 7, 1906, Johnston was awarded the Medal of Honor.
He would see his third war as Colonel and Chief of Staff for the 82nd Infantry Division during #WWI and receive the Distinguished Service Medal for his part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
Johnston died in a polo accident at the age of 58. His 36 years of distinguished service made him one of the most decorated Soldiers of his time. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Johnston received the Distinguished Service Cross (second only to the #MOH), three Silver Stars, and a Purple Heart. He rests today in Section 7 at Arlington National Cemetery – our Nation’s most hallowed ground.
So hopefully you understand now why I choose to post about Confederate soldiers from time to time – of which I have no intention of ceasing. Their stories aren’t always so cut and dried. The ripples through history, while lately viewed as largely negative, have also had moments of substantial contribution – as evidenced by Gordon Johnston.
If the sins of the father are visited upon the children, then men like Gordon Johnston or even Generals Nathan Bedford Forrest III, or George Patton would never have left their mark.
#atrestoration #rectify #historymatters #history #militaryhistory
#ushistory #medalofhonor #cmoh #civilwar #civilwarhistory
#discussion #discussiontopics #controversial #family #familyhistory
