b. 08/06/1843 New York. d. 12/01/1918 Leavenworth, Kansas.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 08/10/1862 Perryville, Kentucky.
Durham was born on June 8, 1843, in New York City, the son of Amos H. Durham and Mary Ann née Laken. He ran away from home at age seven and was adopted by a showman, who changed his name to Mark Cromwell. Durham’s official residence was Malone, Wisconsin when he joined the Union Army. He joined the 1st Wisconsin Infantry in August 1861, and mustered out in October 1864. During the Battle of Perryville he took over as the flag bearer for his regiment when the color sergeant was shot. He moved forward with the flag until he was ordered to stop midway by his commanding officer. He did not receive his Medal of Honor until 20 November 1896. Durham was admitted to the Soldiers’ Home in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1902; he died there on January 12, 1918 and was buried at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth. His grave can be found in section 33, row 10, grave 18.
MOH CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism on 8 October 1862, while serving with Company F, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, in action at Perryville, Kentucky. Sergeant Durham seized the flag of his regiment when the color sergeant was shot and advanced with the flag midway between the lines, amid a shower of shot, shell, and bullets, until stopped by his commanding officer.
BURIAL LOCATION: LEAVENWORTH NATIONAL CEMETERY, LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS.
SECTION 33, ROW 10, GRAVE 18
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.
