Biden to honor Union soldiers for special mission.
President Biden is set to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to two Union soldiers who, during the Civil War, pirated a locomotive in Confederate territory and drove it 87 miles north, destroying crucial infrastructure along the way. Private Philip G. Shadrach and Private George D. Wilson will be honored for their bravery and valor during a covert military mission known as the Great Locomotive Chase.
This daring operation, carried out 200 miles behind Confederate lines in April 1862, aimed to disrupt the Western and Atlantic Railroad between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Tennessee, ultimately aiding the Union’s efforts in bringing an end to the Civil War. The soldiers, led by civilian spy and scout James J. Andrews, infiltrated enemy territory disguised as civilians before seizing control of the General Locomotive in Georgia.
Despite causing significant damage, particularly to railroad tracks and telegraph lines, the raiders faced challenges such as being pursued by Confederate forces on foot and running out of fuel due to rain-soaked wood. The locomotive was eventually stopped, 18 miles from Chattanooga, ending the chase.
Shadrach, a Pennsylvanian native, and Wilson, hailing from Belmont County, Ohio, were among the 24 men, known as Andrews’ Raiders, who participated in the mission. While six of their comrades were initially awarded the Medal of Honor, Shadrach and Wilson’s bravery remained unrecognized until now.
Both soldiers, captured by the Confederates following the failed mission, were executed by hanging. Their sacrifice and dedication to the Union cause are being acknowledged by President Biden over a century later, as they are bestowed with the nation’s highest military honor.
The General Locomotive, central to the historic chase, and The Texas, another involved locomotive, have been preserved in museums such as the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw, Georgia, and the Atlanta History Center. These artifacts serve as reminders of the courage displayed by Shadrach, Wilson, and their fellow raiders.
Popular culture has also commemorated the Great Locomotive Chase, with films like Walt Disney’s 1956 production “The Great Locomotive Chase” and the 1926 silent film “The General,” starring Buster Keaton, immortalizing the daring escapade on the big screen.
As we reflect on this chapter of American history, we honor the memory of these two courageous soldiers and their remarkable contribution to the Union’s efforts during the Civil War. Their legacy reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the values and freedoms we cherish today.
