Stephen P. Corliss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen P. Corliss
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| Born | July 26, 1842 Connecticut |
| Died | May 9, 1904 (aged 61) Pittsfield, Massachusetts |
| Buried |
Albany Rural Cemetery, Albany, New York
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1862 - 1865 |
| Rank |  First lieutenant Brevet Colonel |
| Unit |  11th Independent Battery, New York Volunteer Light Artillery 4th Regiment, New York Volunteer Heavy Artillery - Company D |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Stephen Potter Corliss (born July 26, 1842 – died May 9, 1904) was a brave American soldier. He fought in the American Civil War and later received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for military bravery in the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the War
Stephen Corliss was born in Connecticut in 1842. When the American Civil War began, he decided to join the Union Army. He enlisted on August 12, 1862, in Albany, New York.
He started as a private in the 11th New York Light Artillery Regiment. This unit used cannons to help soldiers on the battlefield.
Service and Promotions
Stephen Corliss showed great dedication during his time in the army.
- On June 26, 1864, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He then joined Company F of the 4th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment.
- This unit was part of the heavy artillery, which used large cannons and sometimes fought as regular infantry soldiers.
Captured and Returned
During the war, soldiers sometimes became prisoners of war. Stephen Corliss was captured on August 25, 1864, during the Second Battle of Ream's Station in Virginia. He was held by the enemy for a few months.
Luckily, he was returned to his unit on December 29, 1864. The very next day, he was promoted again, this time to First Lieutenant. On February 5, 1865, he became an Adjutant, which is an officer who helps with administrative tasks and communications.
Medal of Honor Action
Stephen Corliss earned his Medal of Honor for an incredibly brave act. On April 2, 1865, near the South Side Railroad in Virginia, a battle was raging.
During this fight, the American flag, also called the "colors," fell to the ground. This was a serious moment because the flag represented the unit's spirit and determination. Stephen Corliss quickly picked up the fallen flag. He then bravely rushed forward, ahead of his fellow soldiers, and placed the flag on the enemy's defenses. This act inspired his troops and showed incredible courage.
After the War
Stephen Corliss finished his service and was officially discharged from the army on December 9, 1865. Later, he was given an honorary promotion to the rank of Colonel. This is called a "brevet" rank, meaning it was an honor for his past service.
He became a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. This was a special group for officers who fought for the Union during the Civil War.
Stephen Corliss passed away on May 9, 1904, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He was buried at the Albany Rural Cemetery in Albany, New York.
