Civil War soldiers were overlooked
It’s a pity it took 16 years after Union Pvts. Philip G. Shadrach and George D. Wilson were approved as Medal of Honor recipients for them to be so honored.
But their honor is a tribute to friends and family who kept pushing.
The pair were members of Andrews’ Raiders in the daring Great Locomotive Chase just south of Chattanooga during the Civil War in 1862 but somehow were left out when their comrades — most of them posthumously — were awarded the newly created Medal of Honor. Lawmakers passed legislation approving them for the award in 2008, but their descendants weren’t able to see it through until a ceremony at the White House earlier this week.
The effort was similar to that last year honoring Chattanooga area resident Larry Taylor, who received the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam more than 50 years ago but only after a years-long effort by his family, friends and local officials. An already ill Taylor was able to attend a White House ceremony honoring him in September 2023, but he died in January 2024.