The American Civil War was a first for a lot of things in our nation, including the most prestigious military award known today. That’s because, after a daring mission to steal a train from the Confederacy, many Union Soldiers would give their lives and earn what would turn out to be the Medal of Honor. Known as Andrews’ Raiders, some received the award in 1863. However, for others, a posthumous ceremony would have to do in 2024. It’s an odd tale of bravery and circumstance where service came long before glory was awarded.

Who Were Andrews' Raiders?

The Andrews’ Raiders were a group of volunteers who helped the Union steal a Confederate train in Georgia on April 12, 1862.

Led by James J. Andrews, a civilian spy for the Union, he and a group of men set out to take The General, a train used for the Confederacy, in an attempt to disrupt ties to Tennessee.

Unfortunately for Andrews’ Raiders, while stealing the train was a success, they didn’t have enough fuel to make it to safety.

Despite running, they were soon captured by Confederate forces, put on trial, and convicted of being spies and unlawful combatants.

Eight of them, including Andrews, were hanged. The rest were held as prisoners of war.

Andrews’ Raiders Were the First Recipients of the Medal of Honor

March 25, 1863, was the first time anyone in the history of the US military earned the Medal of Honor. The first recipients were the six members of Andrews' Raiders who were recaptured for their valor and efforts.

Jacob Wilson Parrott was the first due to his experience enduring torture at the hands of Confederate captors.

Most of those who were a part of the group received MOH; however, some did not as they were civilians and did not qualify. Others still would have to wait until being awarded posthumously by President Biden.

Still, because so many Andrews’ Raiders earned the newly-created Medal of Honor, and are buried in Chattanooga, the city is considered to be the birthplace of the military’s highest honor.

One of the First Special Operations for the Army

Today, you’ll find plenty of missions involving the United States Army Special Operations Command, as well as various media using Special Forces as the inspiration of video games, television shows, and movies.

However, the Great Locomotive Chase was one of the first special operations in the history of the Army.

Union spy James Andrews came up with the idea of hijacking The General to help cut off communication, and a vital railway for the Confederate troops in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

After finding 23 other volunteers, the heist was on. Thus, the legend of Andrews' Raiders was born.

Though many received the Medal of Honor for their role in this daring Civil War mission, Philip Shadrach, a native of Pennsylvania, and George Wilson, a native of Ohio, had to wait until 2024 before receiving recognition through their own MOH awards.

Andrews’ Raiders Medal of Honor Finally Awarded in 2024

While many of Andrews’ Raiders received their Medals of Honor for their bravery during the Civil War long ago, not all of them did.

However, President Biden finally posthumously awarded the award to two Soldiers, Philip Shadrach and George Wilson on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

The descendants of both Veterans received the MOH medals on behalf of their ancestors in a ceremony honoring their brave hijacking mission that took place hundreds of miles behind enemy lines.

Although it took a large delay before honoring these Soldiers, the award was finally presented to two men who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to help reunify our nation.

Visit the Memorial in the Chattanooga National Cemetery

If you’re looking to pay respects, or find out a bit more about the Andrews’ Raiders, it’s worth noting that all eight of those who were hanged rest in Section H of Chattanooga National Cemetery.

There you’ll find the Andrews' Raiders Monument, which is in the middle of Section H and is a to-scale replica of The General.

Surrounding the memorial are Union fighters from the raid who were also Medal of Honor recipients laid to rest.

As for The General itself, you can find it displayed in Kennesaw, Georgia, at The Southern Museum.

Furthermore, the train used to chase down The General, known as The Texas, is also on display at the Atlanta History Center in Georgia.

Andrews’ Raiders paid the ultimate price but didn’t back down from a daring mission to help reunify our nation during its darkest hour—a testament to the bravery of Soldiers that continues in modern times.

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