Galusha Pennypacker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Galusha Pennypacker
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Lithograph of Galusha Pennypacker
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| Born | June 1, 1844 (but see text) Valley Forge, Pennsylvania |
| Died | October 1, 1916 (aged 72) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Place of burial |
Philadelphia National Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1883 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 97th Pennsylvania Infantry 34th U.S. Infantry 16th U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
| Signature |  |
Uriah Galusha Pennypacker (born between 1841 and 1844 – died October 1, 1916) was a brave Union general during the American Civil War. He might be the youngest person ever to become a brigadier general in the U.S. Army. He was only 20 years old when he became a general. This means he was too young to even vote for the president who appointed him!
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Galusha Pennypacker was likely born on June 1, 1844, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. However, his exact birth year is a bit unclear, with some records suggesting he was born a few years earlier. For this article, we'll use the 1844 date.
He grew up without remembering his parents. His mother passed away when he was a baby. His father, Joseph Judson Pennypacker, fought in the Mexican–American War. Later, his father became an adventurer in California.
Galusha came from a family with a long history of military service. His grandfather fought in the American Revolutionary War. Interestingly, Galusha was also a distant cousin to George Armstrong Custer, another young general in the Civil War.
Joining the Army
Galusha Pennypacker was very young when he started his military career. At just 16 years old, he joined the 9th Pennsylvania Infantry. He became a quartermaster sergeant, which meant he helped manage supplies for the army.
In August 1861, he helped gather soldiers for the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry. He was then made a Captain of a company. Just two months later, he was promoted to Major.
Fighting in the Civil War
Pennypacker and his regiment fought in many important battles. They saw action in Georgia at Fort Pulaski. They also fought in battles around Charleston.
In 1864, his regiment moved to Virginia. There, he was part of the Bermuda Hundred campaign. He was wounded during the Battle of Ware Bottom Church. After the Battle of Cold Harbor, he became a Colonel of his regiment in August 1864.
He then took command of a brigade, which is a large group of soldiers. He led his brigade in the Battle of New Market Heights. He was wounded again near Fort Gilmer.
Hero at Fort Fisher
Pennypacker's most famous moment happened at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865. He was severely wounded during this battle. His injury was so bad that doctors thought he wouldn't survive.
Despite his injury, he bravely led a charge. He planted the flag of one of his regiments on the enemy's defenses. General Alfred Terry, his commander, called Pennypacker "the real hero of Fort Fisher." He said that without Pennypacker's bravery, the fort would not have been captured.
For his amazing courage, Galusha Pennypacker was later given the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award in the United States.
Becoming a General
Because of his bravery at Fort Fisher, Pennypacker was promoted to brigadier general. This promotion was made official on April 28, 1865. He was only 20 years old! This made him the youngest officer to hold the rank of general in the U.S. Army. He was also promoted to major general of volunteers in March 1865.
Pennypacker spent 10 months recovering from his severe wounds. He survived and continued his military career.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Pennypacker stayed in the Army. In July 1866, he became a Colonel of the 34th U.S. Infantry. He was also promoted to major general in the regular army in 1867.
His regiment later merged with another, becoming the 16th U.S. Infantry. He commanded this regiment until he retired in July 1883. He was only 39 years old when he retired.
In 1904, Pennypacker was promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. This was a special honor.
Later Years and Legacy
Galusha Pennypacker passed away on October 1, 1916, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died from problems caused by the injuries he received during the Civil War. He is buried in Philadelphia National Cemetery. His grave is in the officers' section.
Pennypacker is remembered as a remarkable young leader who showed incredible bravery during the Civil War.
Images for kids
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Major General Galusha Pennypacker Memorial (1921-34) in Logan Square, Philadelphia.
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Pennypacker's tombstone in Philadelphia National Cemetery.
