BARNEY-BERNARD

Bernard Barney was born on January 26, 1924 in Brighton, New York and joined the Navy on September 25, 1942 in Rochester, New York.  On October 27, 1943 he was a crewmember of the destroyer USS Cony which was providing cover for the landings on the Treasury Islands when the ship was attacked by a reported flight of ten Japanese bombers that were escorted by thirty-nine Japanese fighter planes.  During the attack Cony received two bomb hits on her main deck which killed eight men and wounded ten, causing fires and considerable damage to the ship.  Unfortunately, Seaman Second Class Barney received critical burns during the attack and he subsequently died of his injuries.  For S2 Barney’s actions during the engagement he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.  He was first interred overseas but his body was later reinterred at Oakwood Cemetery in Penfield, New York.  He was survived by his father who resided in Brooklyn, New York.

NAVY  CROSS  CITATION

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Seaman Second Class Bernard Barney (NSN: 6085810), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving on board the Destroyer USS CONY (DD-508), in action against the enemy during the occupation of the Treasury Islands in the Solomons, on 27 October 1943.  When the CONY sustained two direct hits on her main deck killing 8 of her men and wounding 10, while being attacked by about 25 enemy bombers, Seaman Second Class Barney assisted in bringing the raging flames under control.  Although fatally burned, he then volunteered for the repair party and contributed materially to the survival of his ship in an extremely critical encounter.  The conduct of Seaman Second Class Barney throughout this action reflects great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.  He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)