Denis Byrne (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denis Byrne
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 1833 Wexford, Ireland |
| Died | December 31, 1905 (aged 72) Bird Island, Minnesota, United States |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | c. 1876–c. 1878 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | 5th U.S. Infantry |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Denis Byrne (1833 – December 31, 1905) was an Irish-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 5th U.S. Infantry during the Indian Wars. He was among the 31 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for during General Nelson A. Miles "winter campaign" against the Sioux Indians in the Montana Territory between October 1876 and January 1877.
Biography
Born in Wexford, Ireland in 1833, Denis Byrne emigrated to the United States where he settled in New York City. He eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to the frontier to serve with 5th U.S. Infantry. By the start of General Nelson A. Miles "winter campaign" against the Sioux Indians in the Montana Territory, Byrne had become a veteran Indian fighter and reached the rank of sergeant. Between October 1876 and January 1877, he participated in many battles against the Sioux, most notably, against Chief Sitting Bull at Cedar Creek. He and 31 other soldiers were received the Medal of Honor for "gallantry in engagements" with the Sioux at Cedar Creek and other actions. He died at Bird Island, Minnesota on December 31, 1905, at age 72.
See also
