Andrew H. Embler
Andrew Henry Embler was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Boydton Plank Road in Virginia on October 27, 1864. He would later serve as the Connecticut Adjutant General for two years.
Military career
Andrew H. Embler was born in Montgomery, New York, on June 29, 1834. He enlisted into the 71st New York State Militia eight days after the Battle of Fort Sumter. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant into Company H. He was wounded in the hip during the Battle of First Bull Run on July 21, 1861. After recovering from his injury, he was appointed as captain and commander of Company E, 82nd New York Volunteer Infantry on December 5, 1861. As the unit commander, he led the unit at the Battle of Antietam, being wounded again on September 17, 1862.Battle of Boydton Plank Road
During the siege of Petersburg, Virginia, in October 1864, the Union Army sought to seize a critical supply line for the Confederate Army – Boydton Plank Road. Captain Embler was now commander of Company D of the 59th New York Volunteer Infantry, which was a key unit during the battle. Captain Embler led his unit as the spearhead of two regiments that attacked the Confederates' main body and allowed the Union to establish a barricade on the road. The Union Army, under Major General Winfield S. Hancock, would achieve a tactical victory over the Confederate Army before both sides would settle down for the winter. For these actions, Captain Embler would be awarded the Medal of Honor.Captain Embler would continue to serve in the Union Army throughout the duration of the war and was present at Appomattox Court House in April 1865 to witness the surrender of the Confederate Army. For his service, he was brevetted to the rank of lieutenant colonel.