He helped save his ship in the Fort McAllister action when Wissahickon's gunpowder magazine was struck by shellfire.
[1][2] Aged 57 or 58 when the engagements for which he was recognized began, Shutes was the oldest Medal of Honor recipient of the Civil War.
[3] Shutes's official Medal of Honor citation reads: Served as captain of the forecastle on board the U.S.S.
Don where his seamanlike qualities as gunner's mate were outstanding, Shutes performed his duties with skill and courage.
[2]Shutes died on September 10, 1889, at age 84 or 85 and was buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery[4] in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.