Pvt. William H. Surles, Medal of Honor

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Private William H. Surles, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 8 October 1862, while serving with Company G, 2d Ohio Infantry, in action at Perryville, Kentucky, In the hottest part of the fire Private Surles stepped in front of his colonel to shield him from the enemy's fire.

General Orders: Date of Issue: August 19, 1891

Action Date: October 8, 1862

Service: Army

Rank: Private

Company: Company G

Division: 2d Ohio Infantry

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WILLIAM H SURLS- Prominent citizen of East Liverpool, Ohio. He served as postmaster for 13 years. He was a past department commander of the Ohio G.A.R. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio Feb 24, 1845. He was the youngest son of John and Emily Surles. He won the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving the life of his commanding officer in the Battle of Perrysville. He was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married to Sarah Surles, he had one son-Charles F Surls, a daughter- Mrs James S Rhinehart, all of East Liverpool, Ohio. His grandchildren were-Lt. Allen Surles, Richard Surles, Grace Surles, Mrs Nessly Porter, and Miss Natalie Rhinehart, all of East Liverpool. He had a sister, Mrs Charles M Fairman of Pittsburg, Pa. He is buried at Riverview Cemetery, East Liverpool, Ohio. He died March 19.