United States – President Joe Biden is scheduled to award the Medal of Honor which is the highest military decoration of the United States, to two privates: Philip Shadrach, and George Wilson of the Union Army for their gallant actions during the Civil War on Wednesday this week. Some of these soldiers belonged to a very risky and highly unconventional squad and participated in what is perhaps one of the earliest forms of modern day ‘special operations’ that might be known as the ‘Great Locomotive Chase’ and that is a part of the history of the United States army. This is a great event in the military history of the country and many people will get a chance to be rewarded for their gallantry and intrepidity at the White House, as reported by Reuters.
A Dare of Lots Transforming Behind Enemy Line
The Great Locomotive Chase that occurred at night on the 12th of April in 1862, was too far from the union lines; they were approximately 200 miles (approximately 322 kilometers) away from Confederate lines. The Union men portrayed themselves as the Southerners and they were able to seize a Confederate train in Georgia. They went further with a very daring stunt of taking the entire train for another 87 miles to the north western Tennessee. Subsequently, they put charges on the rail behind them to dismantle the Confederate railway and they were very much injurious to the adversaries’ communication and supply ways.
Historic Recognition
Six participants in this daring mission were among the first recipients of the newly established Medal of Honor. Over the next two decades, an additional 13 members were recognized for their contributions to the mission. However, Vaughan and Cook, who were captured and hanged as traitors, were left off the official list of honorees until now. This long-overdue recognition corrects a historical oversight and honors all who played a role in this significant operation.
A Presidential Spotlight
The White House ceremony provides President Biden with an opportunity to shift the public’s focus from recent criticisms following a perceived underwhelming performance in the recent presidential debate against former President Donald Trump. By highlighting this important historical event, Biden underscores the valor and sacrifices made by soldiers throughout American history.
Details of the Operation
The operation involved 24 Union soldiers who infiltrated the South in small groups, eventually converging in Marietta, Georgia, located north of Atlanta. On the day of the mission, 22 of these men boarded a locomotive nicknamed “The General.” As they traveled north, they systematically removed railroad tracks and cut telegraph wires, further crippling Confederate communication and transportation networks.
Profiles of the Honorees
Shadrach, who was born in Pennsylvania and was adopted after his parents died when he was young, was only 21 years when he agreed to undertake the risky operation. Wilson being born in Ohio, worked as a journeyman shoemaker and joined the Union Army in August 1861, as reported by Reuters.
White House said that it could not explain why Shadrach and Wilson were not initially nominated for the award.
The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration of the United States and can be awarded to armed forces members only for individual acts of valor in the face of great personal danger with the enemy. This decoration not only recognizes the recipients’ gallantry but also reminds everyone in the military of the highest standard of duty and sacrifice.