Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the Union Navy during the Civil War as a Chief Quartermaster on board the "USS Ticonderoga". He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery during the January 13 to 15th Union Amry-Navy assualt and capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina. His citation reads "The ship took position in the line of battle and maintained a well-directed fire upon the batteries to the left of the palisades during the initial phase of the engagement. Although several of the enemy's shots fell over and around the vessel, the Ticonderoga fought her guns gallantly throughout 3 consecutive days of battle until the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels". His Medal was awarded to him on June 22, 1865. He was one of nine USS Ticonderoga crewmembers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the Civil War (the others being Marine Sergeant Richard Binder, Quartermaster Edward R. Bowman, Boatswain’s Mate William Campbell, Marine Sergeant Isaac N. Fry, Coxswain Thomas Jones, Captain of the Main Top George Prance, Coxswain William Shipman, and Captain of the Forecastle William G. Taylor). (bio by: Russ Dodge)

Robert Sommers