Corliss received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action during the Battle of Cedar Mountain in Virginia on 9 August 1862.

During his act of bravery for which he earned a Medal of Honor, Corliss was injured in his right leg and was therefore captured by Confederates.

He soon resigned from active service due to his disability but rejoined as a commissioned 1st lieutenant and regimental adjutant with the 3rd Veterans Reserve Corps.

[3] Corliss was married to Catherine Bounce and they resided in Mississippi where he was assistant sub-commissioner of the District of Vicksburg within the Bureau of Refugees.

[3] Seized a fallen flag of the regiment, the color bearer having been killed, carried it forward in the face of a severe fire, and though himself shot down and permanently disabled, planted the staff in the earth and kept the flag flying.