The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William H. Appleton, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while serving with Company H, 4th U.S. Colored Infantry. First Lieutenant Appleton was the first man of the Eighteenth Corps to enter the enemy’s works at Petersburg, Virginia 15 June 1864. Also for valiant service in a desperate assault at New Market Heights, Virginia inspiring the Union troops by his example of steady courage, on 29 September 1864.