John Lawrence Burns, a Gettysburg resident in his late sixties, repeatedly attempted to enlist for combat duty with the Union Army but was consistently turned away due to his age.
On July 1, 1863, as the Battle of Gettysburg began, Burns heard distant gunfire. He grabbed his old musket and powder horn before heading out the door to offer his combat services to the nearest Union regiment.
He fought alongside the Union near McPherson Farm with the Iron Brigade, initially with the 7th Wisconsin Infantry and later with the 24th Michigan. During the battle, Burns was wounded in the arm, leg, and chest. As the Union line began to retreat, Burns was left behind. He chose to abandon his rifle, bury his ammunition, and disguise himself as a civilian caught in the crossfire.
When Confederate soldiers finally questioned him, Burns concocted an elaborate story about seeking help for his ailing wife, convincing them to let him go. The soldiers dressed his wounds, and he crawled to a nearby house before eventually making his way back home for more thorough treatment.
After the battle, news of his courageous actions spread, catapulting him to near celebrity status.
More Information
- Biography of John L. Burns – American Battlefield Trust
- John Burns and Civilians at Gettysburg (video) – American Battlefield Trust
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