President Biden to Award Civil War Soldiers Medal of Honor

President Joe Biden posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Union soldiers Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson for their bravery during the Great Locomotive Chase in the Civil War, recognizing their courage 162 years later. The operation involved hijacking a train deep in Confederate territory, destroying tracks and telegraph lines, shaping U.S. politics amidst contentious issues. The soldiers, part of Andrews' Raiders, were executed by Confederates after being captured, with Biden rectifying the oversight of them not receiving the Medal of Honor previously. The legacy of the Civil War continues to impact the nation, with Biden comparing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot to the war's significance, emphasizing the soldiers' sacrifice for freedom and unity.