b. 26/07/1842 Albany, New York. d. 09/05/1904 Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 02/04/1865 South Side Railroad, Virginia.
Corliss was born in Albany, New York. He enlisted in the Union Army on August 12, 1862 at Albany, New York, as a private into 11th New York Light Artillery Regiment. He was discharged for promotion to 2nd lieutenant on June 26, 1864 and was commissioned into Company F, 4th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment.
His citation notes that at South Side Railroad, Virginia, on April 2, 1865, Corliss “raised the fallen colors and, rushing forward in advance of the troops, placed them on the enemy’s works.” He was listed as a prisoner of war on August 25, 1864 at the Second Battle of Ream’s Station in Virginia. He was returned on December 29, 1864 and promoted the next day to First Lieutenant, Company F, 4th New York Heavy Artillery. On February 5, 1865 he was promoted to Adjutant. He was discharged on December 9, 1865. He didnt receive his Medal of Honor until 30 years later on 17 January 1895.
MOH CITATION:
“raised the fallen colors and, rushing forward in advance of the troops, placed them on the enemy’s works.”
BURIAL LOCATION: ALBANY RURAL CEMETERY, ALBANY, NEW YORK.
SECTION 18, LOT 74
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.