Duffey received the country's highest award for bravery during combat, the Medal of Honor, for his action at Ashepoo River in South Carolina on 24 May 1864.

[1][2] Duffey was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on 17 March 1836.

He joined the Army from New Bedford in December 1863, and mustered out with his regiment in November 1865.

[3] Duffey died on 21 August 1923 and his remains are interred at Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

[4] Volunteered as a member of a boatcrew which went to the rescue of a large number of Union soldiers on board the stranded steamer Boston, and with great gallantry assisted in conveying them to shore, being exposed during the entire time to a heavy fire from a Confederate battery.