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Contact Info
Home Town Philadelphia
Last Address Ridgely, Maryland.
Date of Passing Nov 17, 1926
Wall/Plot Coordinates Old Saint Joseph Cemetery, Cordova, Maryland
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
Austin Joseph Durney
Blacksmith ~ US Navy
Medal of Honor
Spanish American War
Austin Joseph Durney was born on 26 November 1867 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the State of Maryland and served during the Spanish-American War on board the gunboat Nashville. On 11 May 1898 Blacksmith Durney was one of several men who participated in a boat expedition that cut the underwater telegraph cable off Cienfuegos, Cuba. For his "extraordinary bravery and coolness" under enemy fire during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Austin J. Durney died on 17 November 1926 at Ridgely, Maryland.
Other Comments:
Medal of Honor
citation of Blacksmith Austin J. Durney
(as printed in the official publication "Medal of Honor, 1861-1949, The Navy", page 74)
"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."
Spanish-American War/Battle of Cienfuegos
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Description Spanish Navy ships had repeatedly eluded American pursuers and delivered troops and supplies to Cuba. When it was discovered that undersea telegraph cables provided the port of Cienfuegos with vital communications.
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
May / 1898
To Month/Year
May / 1898
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories Austin Joseph Durney was born on 26 November 1867 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the State of Maryland and served during the Spanish-American War on board the gunboat Nashville. On 11 May 1898 Blacksmith Durney was one of several men who participated in a boat expedition that cut the underwater telegraph cable off Cienfuegos, Cuba. For his "extraordinary bravery and coolness" under enemy fire during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Austin J. Durney died on 17 November 1926 at Ridgely, Maryland.
