Robert M. Blair

Robert M. Blair
Born 1836
Peacham, Vermont
Died 1899 (aged 62–63)
Enid, Oklahoma
Place of burial Enid Cemetery, Enid, Oklahoma
Allegiance United States of America
Union
Service/branch United States Navy
Union Navy
Rank Boatswain's Mate
Unit USS Pontoosuc (1864)
Battles/wars American Civil War
 • Second Battle of Fort Fisher
Awards Medal of Honor

Robert M. Blair (1836 – 1899) was a sailor in the U.S. Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865.

Military service

Blair volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union side-wheel gunboat USS Pontoosuc (1864). His enlistment is credited to the state of Maine.

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry. Blair was exposed to enemy fire while serving on the deck of the Pontoosuc.

Medal of Honor citation

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Boatswain's Mate Robert M. Blair, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. Pontoosuc during the capture of Fort Fisher and Wilmington, North Carolina, 24 December 1864 to 22 January 1865. Carrying out his duties faithfully throughout this period, Boatswain's Mate Blair was recommended for gallantry and skill and for his cool courage while under the fire of the enemy throughout these actions.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)

Action Date: January 15, 1865

Service: Navy

Rank: Boatswain’s Mate

Division: U.S.S. Pontoosuc

See also

References


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