Patriotism, Idealism, Courage – all wrapped up in young boy soldier .  Running away from home at age thirteen to join the Union Army, William Horsfall comes of age while serving the nation during the Civil War.  Stowing away on a steamboat, he is caught by the ships captain.  Telling a story of orphan sadness, the captain  feeds him and helps him on his way.  This is just the first of many adventures Billy has during the terrible ordeal he indures called the Civil War. Hardened by battle but never losing his courage, he does a deed of bravery all the grown men feared to do.  Thus he became one of the youngest recipients of the Medal of Honor.