Bernard A. Byrne

Bernard Abert Byrne (October 19, 1853 – February 28, 1910) was a United States Army captain who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine–American War. He later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Bernard Abert Byrne
Born(1853-10-19)October 19, 1853
Newport Barracks, Kentucky
DiedFebruary 28, 1910(1910-02-28) (aged 56)
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1875–1906
RankLieutenant Colonel
Unit6th United States Infantry
40th United States Infantry
13th United States Infantry
Battles/warsPhilippine–American War
AwardsMedal of Honor

Early career

Byrne was born in Newport Barracks, Kentucky, in 1853. His father was Dr. Bernard Miles Byrne, a U.S. Army surgeon. His mother was Louisa Matlack (Abert) Byrne, the daughter of Colonel John James Abert, the first chief of the U.S. Topographical Service. Colonel Byrne joined the army in Washington, D.C.. He was educated at Colombian University (later George Washington University). He married Bertha Barnitz, daughter of Albert Trorillo Siders Barnitz, an officer twice brevetted for bravery.

Colonel Byrne was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Service history
  • Appointed from Washington D.C., second lieutenant, 6th United States Infantry – October 15, 1875
  • Appointed first lieutenant – December 31, 1882
  • Regimental adjutant November 1, 1886 to March 31, 1890
  • Appointed captain – November 9, 1894
  • Earned Medal of Honor – July 19, 1899
  • Appointed lieutenant colonel, 40th US Volunteer Infantry – August 17, 1899
  • Honorably mustered out of volunteer service – June 24, 1901
  • Appointed major, 13th United States Infantry – February 28, 1901
  • Medal of Honor awarded – July 15, 1902
  • Retired – July 13, 1906

Awards

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and Organization: Captain, 6th U.S. Infantry. Place and Date: At Bobong, Negros, Philippine Islands, July 19, 1899. Entered Service At: Washington, D.C. Birth: Newport Barracks, Va. Date of Issue: July 15, 1902.

Citation

Most distinguished gallantry in rallying his men on the bridge after the line had been broken and pushed back.

See also

References
  • "Home of heroes". Retrieved September 24, 2010.
  • "Bernard Abert Byrne, lieutenant colonel, United States Army] at www.arlingtoncemetery.net Arlington Cemetery". Retrieved September 24, 2010.

Note

Lieutenant Colonel Byrne's medal erroneously lists his place of birth as Newport Barracks, Virginia while he was actually born in Newport Barracks, Kentucky (There is actually no such place.)


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