President Biden awarded posthumous Medals of Honor on Wednesday to two Army privates who were part of a daring plot to hijack a train and destroy Confederate infrastructure during the Civil War. The honor was long overdue, according to the President, who recognized the bravery and sacrifice of Philip Shadrach and George Wilson in carrying out the covert operation known as the “Great Locomotive Chase.”
The White House detailed the events of the mission, which unfolded 200 miles behind Confederate lines in Georgia in 1862. Union soldiers, disguised as civilians, infiltrated enemy territory, hijacked a train, and drove it north for 87 miles, wreaking havoc on Confederate infrastructure along the way. President Biden praised Shadrach and Wilson, along with their fellow soldiers, for their commitment to preserving the Union and upholding the values of freedom, justice, fairness, and unity.
The descendants of Wilson and Shadrach accepted the posthumous medals on behalf of their ancestors, honoring their legacy and sacrifice. The President’s recognition of these two soldiers sheds light on a little-known chapter of the Civil War and pays tribute to their courage and dedication to the cause.
The operation, known as one of the earliest special operations in U.S. Army history, was conceived by James Andrews, a civilian spy and scout from Kentucky. Andrews proposed infiltrating the Confederacy to disrupt their railway and communication lines, ultimately cutting off Chattanooga, Tennessee, from Confederate supplies and reinforcements.
Andrews, along with 23 other men, embarked on the mission in small groups, converging north of Atlanta before commandeering The General locomotive on April 12, 1862. The men, dubbed Andrews’ Raiders, tore up railroad tracks and cut telegraph wires as they made their way north, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Philip Shadrach, a young man from Pennsylvania who had been orphaned at a young age, volunteered for the mission at the age of 21. On September 20, 1861, he enlisted in a Union Army Ohio Infantry Regiment, eager to serve his country. George Wilson, a journeyman shoemaker from Ohio, also answered the call to enlist in the Union Army’s Ohio Volunteer Infantry in 1861 and volunteered for the fateful Andrews’ Raid.
Despite their bravery and dedication, Shadrach and Wilson were captured after the operation, convicted as spies, and ultimately hanged. President Biden emphasized their unwavering belief in the United States of America and its founding ideals, highlighting the unique nature of the nation’s founding on the principle that all men are created equal and deserve equal treatment throughout their lives.
The President’s recognition of Shadrach and Wilson’s heroism comes more than a century after their deeds went unacknowledged, underscoring the enduring valor and sacrifice of these two soldiers in the pursuit of a more perfect union. The Medal of Honor ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us in the name of freedom and justice.
In the midst of the ceremony honoring these two soldiers, questions arise about President Biden’s future as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. His recent public appearances, particularly his performance at the presidential debate, have come under intense scrutiny, prompting discussions about his ability to lead the party forward.
Following the Medal of Honor ceremony, President Biden is scheduled to meet with Democratic governors to address their concerns and chart a path forward for his candidacy. The outcome of these discussions may have far-reaching implications for the future of the Democratic Party and the upcoming presidential election.
As the nation reflects on the valor and sacrifice of individuals like Philip Shadrach and George Wilson, their legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of patriotism and dedication to the ideals upon which the United States was founded. Their story is a testament to the courage and selflessness of those who have fought and died for the principles of freedom, justice, and equality, inspiring future generations to uphold these values in the face of adversity.
The posthumous Medals of Honor awarded to Shadrach and Wilson are a symbol of the nation’s gratitude for their service and sacrifice, ensuring that their memory lives on in the annals of history. President Biden’s recognition of these two soldiers reaffirms the importance of honoring the unsung heroes of the past and preserving their legacy for future generations to remember and emulate.
