 During his first year of enlistment his regiment fought in the 1862 Peninsular Campaign (most notably in the May 1862 Battle of Williamsburg and the Battle of Fair Oaks), and in the August 29, 1862 Battle of Second Bull Run.It was during that engagement that he performed his act of bravery that he was eventually awarded the Medal of Honor for.He was promoted to Corporal on September 10, 1862, and to Sergeant on February 4, 1863.