Bernard A. Byrne

Bernard Albert Byrne (October 19, 1853 – February 2, 1910) was a United States Army Captain received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Philippine–American War. He later achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Early career
Bernard Abert 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 Bartha Barnitz, daughter of Albert Trorillo Siders Barnitz, an officer twice brevetted for bravery.

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 27, 1899
 * Appointed Lieutenant Colonel, 40th US Volunteer Infantry, August 17, 1899
 * Honorably mustered out of volunteer service June 24, 1907
 * Appointed Major, 13th United States Infantry, February 28, 1901
 * Medal awarded July 15, 1902
 * Retired July 13, 1906

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."

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.)