In a moment of historical reconciliation, President Joe Biden will posthumously award the United States' highest military honor, the Medal of Honor, to Private Philip G. Shadrach and Private George D. Wilson. More than 160 years after their valiant efforts during one of the most daring missions of the Civil War, Shadrach and Wilson will be recognized for their gallantry and intrepidity in a covert operation known as the Great Locomotive Chase. This ceremony, taking place at the White House, addresses an oversight that excluded these two heroes from earlier commendations.

On April 12, 1862, approximately 200 miles behind Confederate lines, a group of Union soldiers led by civilian spy James J. Andrews executed a bold mission aimed at dismantling the Confederacy's logistical capabilities between Atlanta, Georgia, and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Disguised as civilians, the raiders seized a Confederate locomotive, 'The General,' to disrupt critical supply lines by destroying railroad tracks, bridges, and telegraph wires.

The heroes of this daring operation, Shadrach and Wilson, both served with the 2nd Ohio Infantry Regiment. During their mission, their train was pursued by Confederate soldiers, leading to a dramatic chase involving multiple Confederate trains, including 'The Texas.' Despite their efforts to thwart the Confederate forces, the mission ultimately faltered when 'The General' ran out of fuel near Ringgold, Georgia, forcing the raiders to abandon their train.

Subsequently captured by Confederate troops, Shadrach and Wilson were tried and executed for their actions, alongside other members of the raiding party. The sacrifices of Andrews' Raiders have been immortalized, not only in military records but also popular culture, including the 1956 Disney film 'The Great Locomotive Chase.' Historically, the mission marked a critical point in the Civil War, showcasing the strategic importance of railroad infrastructure.

Though many of Andrews' Raiders received the Medal of Honor shortly after the Civil War, Shadrach and Wilson were not among them. Military records and historical accounts remain unclear as to why they were excluded from this honor initially. It wasn't until January 2008, when President George W. Bush signed legislation authorizing the award for these overlooked soldiers, that the long process of formal recognition began.

Present at the ceremony will be relatives of the two men, including Ron Shadrach, who has persistently lobbied for their recognition. His efforts, supported by former U.S. Rep. Dave Hobson and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, have finally brought this acknowledgment to fruition. Addressing the historic error required the involvement of the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of Defense, illustrating the complexity and importance of this correction.

This posthumous award comes at a time when national unity and the acknowledgment of historical sacrifices hold significant value. It highlights the bipartisan cooperation that can be achieved when rectifying past oversights. Both Shadrach, a Pennsylvania native who served in Company K, and Wilson, a Belmont County native from Company B, epitomized valor and dedication to their country.

The legacy of the Great Locomotive Chase extends beyond the battlefield; it represents an early instance of special operations in U.S. military history. The raiders' mission to cripple Confederate logistics had far-reaching impacts, influencing military strategies and operations long after the Civil War. The recognition of Shadrach and Wilson's contributions underscores the enduring importance of acknowledging historical bravery and ensuring that acts of gallantry are fully honored, regardless of when they occurred.

As Biden prepares to award these medals, it is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless soldiers throughout U.S. history. It also serves as an educational moment for the public, shedding light on lesser-known but pivotal episodes of the Civil War. The Great Locomotive Chase remains a testament to the ingenuity, bravery, and relentless spirit of those who fought for the Union and against the institution of slavery.

This ceremony not only honors Shadrach and Wilson but also reaffirms the nation's commitment to recognizing and preserving the legacies of all its heroes. The Medal of Honor presentation underscores the importance of historical accuracy and the need to right past wrongs, ensuring that every act of heroism is acknowledged and remembered.