Existing comment:
Thomas Shaw was born into slavery in 1846, in Covington, Kentucky. During the Civil War, Shaw escaped slavery to enlist in the Union army in Missouri. As a member of the 9th Cavalry, he was considered one of the best marksmen in the regiment. For his bravery at Carrizo Canyon in 1881, Shaw earned the Medal of Honor. His citation reads: "Forced the enemy back after stubbornly holding his ground in an extremely exposed position and prevented the enemy's superior numbers form surrounding his command." |