Private William H. Surles was a soldier in the U.S. Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions on October 8, 1862 in Perryville, Kentucky during the Civil War. At the time he was serving with Company G, 2d Ohio Infantry. Surles was 17 years old.
One other service member also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 19, 1891, 28 years after the action.
Surles was born on February 24, 1845 in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio. Surles died on March 19, 1919, at the age of 74. He is buried at Riverview Cemetery in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Surles 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
In the hottest part of the fire he stepped in front on his colonel to shield him from the enemy's fire.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Places
- Buried: Riverview Cemetery — map
Timeline
- February 24, 1845Born in Steubenville, Jefferson County, Ohio
- October 8, 1862Act of valor — Perryville, KentuckyAge 17. Company G, 2d Ohio Infantry
- August 19, 1891Medal of Honor presented
- March 19, 1919DiedAge 74.
- Resting placeRiverview CemeteryEast Liverpool, Ohio
Biography
William H. Surles (24 February 1845 - 19 March 1919) was a private in the United States Army who was awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the American Civil War. Surles was awarded the medal on 19 August 1891 for actions performed at the Battle of Perryville in Kentucky on 8 October 1862.
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