Pennypacker Called "the real hero of Fort Fisher"

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Galusha Pennypacker (1844-1916) was a Union general during the American Civil War. He may be the youngest person to hold the rank of brigadier general in the US Army and remains the only general too young to vote for the president who appointed him. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher during the Civil War. At the age of 16, Pennypacker enlisted as a quartermaster sergeant in the 9th Pennsylvania Infantry from West Chester, Pennsylvania. He led his brigade into action at the Battle of New Market Heights and was wounded near Fort Gilmer. Pennypacker's greatest moment of the war came at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865, where he was again severely wounded. His wound was considered fatal and General Terry promised the young officer that he would receive a brevet promotion for his conduct that day. Terry called Pennypacker "the real hero of Fort Fisher" and remarked that without his bravery the fort would not have been taken. He was much later awarded the Medal of Honor, with a citation reading, "Gallantly led the charge over a traverse and planted the colors of one of his regiments thereon, was severely wounded."Signed Card “Very Respectfully G. Pennypacker, Brvt. Major Gen’l, U.S. Army, Jan. 20th 1898”.

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