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.

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.

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.

Byrne was a member of the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He died in San Francisco on February 28, 1910, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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 Indian Campaign Medal Spanish Campaign Medal Army of Cuban Occupation Medal Philippine Campaign Medal

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.