George Wallace Johnson

George Wallace Johnson

George Wallace Johnson was married with a two-year old child and living at 116 Smith Street in Brooklyn, New York, when the War broke out in April 1861. He was a machinist by trade, and in July he volunteered to join the Union Army. At the ripe old age of 26, he was mustered into service as a 3rd Sergeant on August 16, 1861. He was in Company I of the 48th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He began his training in Camp Wyman at Fort Hamilton, New York. His regiment began their service as part of an Expeditionary Force under Brigadier General Thomas W. Sherman, with Naval Forces under Commodore Samuel F. DuPont. The Army was to seize and occupy strategic coastal installations in supporting the Naval Blockade of southern seaports. His regiment went by the name of “Continental Guards” but also were known as “PERRY’S SAINTS”; this name was due to the regiments commander; Colonel James H. Perry. Among the more notable engagements in which his regiment was a part included the bombardment and capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia April 10-11, 1862 and the battle of Olustee, Florida on February 20, 1864. His regiment also is famous for the ill-fated assault upon Battery Wagner on July 11-18 1863. Strategically, the assault was part of an attempt by Union forces to take the city of Charleston, South Carolina. Fortunately, his company was not with the regiment at the time of the assault on Battery Wagner. Company I had been left behind to garrison Fort Pulaski. At the end of his three year enlistment he mustered out on September 20, 1864. Returning to his family he resumed his civilian life. However, he did not forget old comrades and was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Sergeant George Wallace Johnson’s final roll call came on September 26, 1917 at the age of 81. He was buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York where he had spent most of his life.

Photograph and information submitted by George Wallace Johnson’s great great grandson, Michael E. Farrell.

George Wallace Johnson
circa 1880s