| Robert M. Blair | |
| [[Image:File:US Navy Medal of Honor (1862 original).png|center|200px|border]] | |
| Born: | 1836 |
|---|---|
| Place of Birth: | {{{place of birth}}} |
| Died: | 1899 (aged 62–63) |
| Place of Death: | {{{place of death}}} |
| Nickname: | {{{nickname}}} |
| Birth Name: | {{{birth name}}} |
| Allegiance: | United States of America Union |
| Participation(s): | {{{participations}}} |
| Branch: | United States Navy Union Navy |
| Service Years: | {{{service years}}} |
| Rank: | Boatswain's Mate |
| Service number : | {{{servicenumber}}} |
| Unit: | USS Pontoosuc |
| Commands: | {{{commands}}} |
| Battles: | American Civil War • Second Battle of Fort Fisher |
| Awards: | Medal of Honor |
| Relations: | {{{relations}}} |
| Other work: | {{{otherwork}}} |
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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. 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[]
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F
- List of Medal of Honor recipients for the Second Battle of Fort Fisher
References[]
- Template:Hallofvalor Retrieved on June 10, 2010
- Robert M. Blair at Find a Grave Retrieved on June 20, 2010