b. 1833 Wexford, Ireland. d. 31/12/1905 Bird Island, Minnesota.
DATE OF MOH ACTION; 10/1876 – 01/1877 Cedar Creek, Montana.
Denis Byrne MOH
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 received his Medal on 18 July 1877 on parade at the Cantonment at the Yellowstone and Tongue Rivers, Montana, from General William T. Sherman. He died at Bird Island, Minnesota on December 31, 1905, at age 72.
BURIAL LOCATION; CALVARY CEMETERY, ST PAUL, MINNESOTA.
SECTION 39, BLOCK 11, LOT 87
LOCATION OF MEDAL: FAMILY.
