[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E737-E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE MEMORY OF LANDSMAN WALTER P. JOHNSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2013

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor Civil War Medal of 
Honor recipient Landsman Walter P. Johnston.
  At the young age of 13, Landsman Johnston bravely enlisted in the 
United States Navy. He was assigned to the USS Fort Hindman, a 
steamboat built in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During an engagement near 
Harrisonburg, Louisiana, Landsman Johnston suffered a severe hand wound 
that dramatically impaired his physical condition. Despite his 
horrendous injury, Landsman Johnston bravely took the place of another 
seaman to sponge and lead one of the cannons against the Confederate 
forces. The USS Fort Hindman was severely damaged in the battle, but 
thanks to the heroism of Landsman Johnston and his fellow sailors, the 
ship lived to see another day. After serving in the Navy, Landsman 
Johnston moved to La Porte, Indiana where he worked in the broom 
manufacturing business, until he passed away on May 8th, 1888 at the 
age of 39.
  Too often, the heroic tales of our Nation's brave servicemen are lost 
to the back pages of history. Thanks to the hard work of Ms. Colleen 
Malinowski and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Landsman 
Walter P. Johnston's legacy has been revived. Landsman Johnston leaves 
behind an incredible legacy that will live on to inspire many Hoosiers. 
His life is a testament to the American fighting spirit that still 
lives on in all our men and women currently serving in the Armed 
Forces.
  I am honored to recognize the selfless heroics of Landsman Walter P. 
Johnston. Joining Hoosiers across the State, we remember his brave 
actions that helped preserve the lives of his fellow sailors, and the 
Union.

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