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 Confederate's 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 of the Confederate Army before both sides would settle down for the winter. For these actions, Captain Embler would be awarded the Medal of Honor.