Career
Born in 1841 in England, Pyne joined the United States. Navy from the state of New York in 1862. By March 5, 1865, he was serving as a seaman on the United States Ship Magnolia. On that day and the next, he accompanied a Union Army force during the Battle of Natural Bridge near Saint Marks, Florida.
Although wounded, he helped transport and fire a naval howitzer throughout the engagement under heavy Confederate fire.
He was one of six sailors to receive the medal for manning artillery pieces during the battle, the others being Landsman John South. Lann, Seaman John Mack, Ordinary Seaman Charles Read, Coxswain George Schutt, and Seaman Thomas Smith. As seaman on board the United States.S. Magnolia, Saint Marks, Florida, 5 and 6 March 1865.
Serving with the Army in charge of Navy howitzers during the attack on Saint Marks and throughout this fierce engagement, Pyne, although wounded, made remarkable efforts in assisting transport of the gun, and his coolness and determination in courageously standing by his gun while under the fire of the enemy were a cr to the service to which he belonged.
