William J. Johnston[1][a] (July 12, 1850 – September 16, 1941) was a drummer boy in Company D of the 3rd Vermont Infantry during the American Civil War.

When his division was routed during the Seven Days Battles during the Peninsula Campaign of June to July 1862, he was the only drummer to come away with his instrument.

His superiors considered this a meritorious feat, given that the regiment's other soldiers had thrown away their guns and equipment to lighten their loads as they retreated.

[7] In the 1860 federal census, William Johnston gave his occupation as innkeeper, with the inn he operated probably being located in nearby Coventry.

[9] Willie Johnston was formally enlisted in Company D as a drummer on December 11, 1861, but was originally denied pay, because the regiment's officers thought he was too young.

[13] These battles resulted in a victory for the Confederates, and on July 1, 1862, Smith's division was posted to positions on Turkey Creek in Charles City County when it began its nighttime withdrawal.

[14] The division arrived at Harrison's Landing early on the morning of July 2, with Johnston having brought his drum the whole way.

[22]Despite the inability of researchers to locate official documentation about the circumstances of Johnston's Medal of Honor action, the events were covered in contemporary newspaper accounts.

"The Caledonian story credits the division commander, General William Farrar Smith, with making the recommendation to recognize Johnston's heroism.

[23] In 1916, the Department of War appointed a panel to review awards of the Medal of Honor and determine whether any should be revoked for failing to meet the eligibility criteria.

[25] The details of Johnston's early education are not known, but he was definitely proficient with the written English language and other topics; surviving letters about his reenlistment and pay issues were prepared in his handwriting, and though they contain minor spelling errors, they are highly literate, and display a clear grasp of grammar, punctuation, and the ability to communicate detailed information clearly and concisely.

[2][31] In May 1888, newspapers reported on the discovery of Johnston's drum, identifiable by a silver commemorative plaque on the back, at a home in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

[35][f] The drum was subsequently turned over to the curator of the Civil War relic room at the Massachusetts State House.

[38] United States Navy records for the period do not provide details on "William Johnston" or "William Johnson" that can be conclusively identified as Johnston, raising the possibility that he served under an assumed name or in a support role that would not have required him to be identified on Navy muster or pay rolls, such as continuing to work as a machinist.