| Unit Name: | 21st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry |
| Dates: | April 20, 1861 – August 9, 1861 |
| Country: |  United States |
| Allegiance: | Union |
| Branch: | United States Army Union Army |
| Type: | Infantry |
| Nickname: | Philadelphia Light Guard |
| Commander1: | John F. Ballier |
| Commander1 Label: | Colonel |
The 21st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry was a three-month infantry regiment that served in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
This regiment was organized at Philadelphia and mustered into federal service on April 29, 1861. This regiment was the outgrowth of a rifle battalion attached to the 1st brigade, 1st division of the Pennsylvania militia.
On May 20 it was ordered to Suffolk Park; on the 28th to Chambersburg, where it became part of Patterson's army. It crossed the Potomac on June 17, but the force soon returned to the Maryland side and encamped. On July 2 the army moved to Martinsburg and thence after a fortnight, to Bunker Hill, Charlestown, and Harper's Ferry. While in Martinsburg the 21st was presented with a beautiful flag by the loyal Union Germans of that city. On August 9, the 21st boarded trains in Martinsburg, and returned to Philadelphia, via Harpers Ferry and Baltimore. The regiment mustered out at Philadelphia that day.
Attached to Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas's 5th Brigade, 1st Division, of Major General Robert Patterson's Army in the Department of Pennsylvania.
Col. Ballier was authorized to recruit another regiment for three years service. This became the 98th Pennsylvania Infantry which included many men of the 21st.
The regiment participated in no battles during its service.
The regiment suffered no losses during its service.
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