President Biden Awards Medals of Honor

President Joe Biden is posthumously awarding the Medal of Honor to Union soldiers Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson for their bravery during the Civil War's Great Locomotive Chase in 1862. The daring mission, organized by civilian spy James Andrews, aimed to disrupt Confederate infrastructure behind enemy lines. Despite being captured, Shadrach and Wilson were previously overlooked for the Medal of Honor, rectifying a historical oversight. The recognition highlights the ongoing impact of the Civil War on American politics, with Biden drawing parallels between the Capitol riot and historical threats to democracy. The ceremony acknowledges the soldiers' crucial role in a significant chapter of U.S. military history, underscoring the valor and sacrifices made during the conflict.