Austin Joseph Durney

Blacksmith, U.S. Navy

Medal of Honor Recipient

Spanish-American War

Blacksmith Austin Joseph Durney (26 November 1867 - 17 November 1926) was a U.S. Navy sailor who received the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions during the Spanish-American War.

Austin Joseph Durney was born on 26 November 1867 at Philadelphia, PA. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from the state of Maryland and served during the Spanish-American War on board the gunboat USS Nashville (PG-7). On 11 May 1898, Durney was one of several men who participated in a boat expedition that cut the underwater telegraph cable off Cienfuegos, Cuba. For his actions during this operation, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Blacksmith, U.S. Navy

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.

Death and Burial

Blacksmith Austin Joseph Durney died on 17 November 1926 at Ridgely, MD. He is buried at Old Saint Joseph Cemetery in Cordova, MD.