Private Philip G. Shadrach was a soldier in the U.S. Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions on April 12, 1862 in Georgia during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company K, 2nd Ohio Infantry. Shadrach was 21 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on July 3, 2024, 162 years after the action — at the White House, Washington, D.C., by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
Shadrach was born on September 15, 1840 in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Mitchell's Salt Works, Jefferson County, Ohio. Shadrach died on June 18, 1862 in Atlanta, Georgia, US, at the age of 21. He is buried at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Records also list him as Perry Shadrach.
Shadrach is one of 1,525 Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War and one of 256 credited to Ohio.
Official Medal of Honor citation
Private Philip G. Shadrach distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Georgia on 12 April 1862. Private Shadrach was one of 22 Andrews' Raiders who, by direction of Major Ormsby M. Mitchell, penetrated nearly 200 miles south into enemy territory. Upon capturing a railroad train at Big Shanty in Georgia, the group set out to complete their mission of disrupting enemy supply lines by destroying bridges and tracks between Chattanooga and Atlanta. Private Shadrach's gallant actions in close contact with the enemy were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Army of the Ohio, and the United States Army.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
How he died
- Awarded posthumously — died June 18, 1862.
- Manner of death: capital punishment
- Cause of death: hanging to death
- Age at death: 21
- Resting place: Chattanooga National Cemetery
Cause and manner of death: Wikidata.
Battles and campaigns
Places
Timeline
- September 15, 1840Born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania
- April 12, 1862Act of valor — GeorgiaAge 21. Company K, 2nd Ohio Infantry
- June 18, 1862Died in Atlanta, Georgia, USAge 21.
- July 3, 2024Medal of Honor presented posthumouslyAt the White House, Washington, D.C., by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
- Resting placeChattanooga National CemeteryChattanooga, Tennessee
Biography
Philip Gephart Shadrach (or Shadrack; September 15, 1840 – June 18, 1862) was an American soldier who was executed by the Confederates in 1862 for his participation in the Great Locomotive Chase. As a result of his involvement, he was posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor by President Joseph Biden on July 3, 2024.
From the Wikipedia article “Philip G. Shadrach”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
Further reading
- The Great Locomotive Chase: The First Awarded Medals of Honorcmohs.org · 2022
