Robert M. Blair

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.

Robert M. Blair
Born1836
Peacham, Vermont
Died1899 (aged 62–63)
Enid, Oklahoma
Place of burial
Enid Cemetery, Enid, Oklahoma
AllegianceUnited States of America
Union
Service/branchUnited States Navy
Union Navy
RankBoatswain's Mate
UnitUSS Pontoosuc (1864)
Battles/warsAmerican Civil War
 • Second Battle of Fort Fisher
AwardsMedal of Honor

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
  • "Robert M. Blair". Hall of Valor. Military Times. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
  • "Robert M. Blair". Claim to Fame: Medal of Honor recipients. Find a Grave. Retrieved June 20, 2010.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.