CDR Silas M Duncan

  • American

Silas M Duncan served as a distinguished officer in the United States Navy during the War of 1812. Born in Rockaway, New Jersey, he entered naval service as a midshipman in 1809 and earned national recognition for his bravery at the Battle of Lake Champlain in 1814, where he successfully carried out orders under heavy fire and suffered the loss of his right arm — an act for which Congress formally thanked him. Over the following decade, Duncan saw active duty aboard several notable vessels, including INDEPENDENCE, HORNET, GUERRIERE, CYANE and FERRET. He married Martha Dandridge Aylett, granddaughter of American patriot Patrick Henry. Duncan died in 1834 in what is recorded as West Virginia, leaving a legacy of courage and service. - AsNotedIn


Timeline

Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
Y/M/D Description Association Composition Place Locale Food Event
1814/09/06 Lt Silas Duncan paddles his gig (agile row boat) on Lake Champlain to deliver orders to American gunboats to fall back. British batteries unleash a blistering bombardment, cannon shot shatters Duncan's right shoulder blade, yet he delivers the orders. American Lieutenant Battle of Plattsburgh site Plattsburgh, NY Battle of Plattsburgh
1814/09/06 Taken to the field hospital on Crab Island, Duncan refuses amputation of his mangled arm. Surgeons extract shattered bone, cloth from his uniform and embedded shrapnel before dressing the wound, his resolve unbroken despite the agony. American Lieutenant Crab Island State Park, NY Plattsburgh, NY Battle of Plattsburgh
1814/10/20 US Congress passes a formal resolution expressing gratitude to Lt Silas Duncan for his "distinguished gallantry and good conduct" on Lake Champlain. American Lieutenant
1815/00/00 During 18 months of in intense convalescence, Silas M Duncan successfully wards off deadly infections like gangrene, but his right arm completely paralyzed and useless. Health
1832/05/24 In company with the officers of the squadron, CDR Silas Duncan attends the solemn obsequies of Commodore George W Rodgers at the British Episcopal Church, joining and civic dignitaries in paying the last honors to the departed officer. Mourner Anglican Cathedral of St John the Baptist, BAires Buenos Aires
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