Robert Blake (Medal of Honor recipient)

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For other persons of the same name, see Robert Blake.

Robert Blake

U.S. Navy poster featuring Contraband Robert Blake
Place of birth	Virginia
Allegiance	United States Navy
Rank	Contraband
Unit	USS Marblehead
Battles/wars	American Civil War
Awards	Medal of Honor

Robert Blake was a United States Navy sailor during the American Civil War and a recipient of America's highest military decoration - the Medal of Honor. Blake, an escaped slave, was the second African American to perform a Medal of Honor action; William Harvey Carney was the first. Blake was the first African American to actually receive a Medal of Honor - his was presented to him in 1864, while Carney did not receive his until 1900. But, because Carney's Medal of Honor action occurred first, Carney, not Blake, is usually credited with being the first African American Medal of Honor recipient.

[edit] Biography

Robert Blake was born into slavery in Virginia. After escaping, he enlisted in the Navy from Port Royal, Virginia and served on the USS Marblehead during the Civil War. He served as a "Contraband", as blacks who fled slavery for the protection of Union forces were called. While off Legareville, in the Stono River, South Carolina, on 25 December 1863, Blake served the rifle gun as Marblehead engaged Confederates on John's Island. The enemy eventually abandoned its position leaving munitions behind. For his bravery in this action, Blake was awarded the Medal of Honor.