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Galusha Pennypacker holds the record as the youngest general in U.S. Army history. After joining the 9th Pennsylvania Infantry in 1861, the 16-year-old quartermaster’s clerk earned a captain’s commission for his organizational ability. He later fought as a 19-year-old major at Cold Harbor before becoming colonel of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Petersburg Campaign. Wounded while leading an assault at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in January 1865, Pennypacker was promoted to brigadier general at just 20 years of age—an unprecedented achievement that made him a national sensation. He’d later receive the Medal of Honor for his gallantry at the battle. Pennypacker retired from the


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Galusha Pennypacker holds the record as the youngest general in U.S. Army history.

After joining the 9th Pennsylvania Infantry in 1861, the 16-year-old quartermaster’s clerk earned a captain’s commission for his organizational ability.

He later fought as a 19-year-old major at Cold Harbor before becoming colonel of the 97th Pennsylvania Infantry during the Petersburg Campaign.

Wounded while leading an assault at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher in January 1865, Pennypacker was promoted to brigadier general at just 20 years of age—an unprecedented achievement that made him a national sensation. He’d later receive the Medal of Honor for his gallantry at the battle.

Pennypacker retired from the Army in 1883 and died in Philadelphia in 1916 at the age of 72.