Serving as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, Blacksmith Austin Joseph Durney received the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 11, 1898 in Cienfuegos, Cuba during the Spanish-American War. At the time he was serving with U.S.S. Nashville. Durney was 30 years old.
54 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on August 16, 1899 — presented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown, MA, Navy Yard.
Durney was born on November 26, 1867 in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. His Medal of Honor is credited to Woodland, Allegany County, Maryland. Durney died on November 17, 1926 in Ridgely, Maryland, at the age of 58. He is buried at St. Joseph's R.C. Cemetery in Cordova, Maryland.
Durney is one of 110 Medal of Honor recipients from the Spanish-American War and one of 85 credited to Maryland.
Official Medal of Honor citation
On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Durney set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Spanish–American War.
Places
Veteran resources, cemeteries and meeting places in Maryland →
Timeline
- November 26, 1867Born in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
- May 11, 1898Act of valor — Cienfuegos, CubaAge 30. U.S.S. Nashville
- August 16, 1899Medal of Honor presentedPresented by Commander Raymond P. Rodgers of the USS Nashville at the Charlestown, MA, Navy Yard.
- November 17, 1926Died in Ridgely, MarylandAge 58.
- Resting placeSt. Joseph's R.C. CemeteryCordova, Maryland
Biography
Austin Joseph Durney (November 26, 1867 – November 17, 1926) was a United States Navy sailor and a recipient of America's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.
From the Wikipedia article “Austin J. Durney”, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read the full article →
