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Sommers volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union sloop-of-war USS Ticonderoga (1862). His enlistment is credited to the state of New York.
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.
Medal of Honor Citation:
For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Chief Quartermaster Robert Sommers, United States Navy-
"for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S. TICONDEROGA in the attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, 13 to 15 January 1865. 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 three consecutive days of battle until the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels."
General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 59 (June 22, 1865)
Action Date: January 15, 1865
Service: Navy
Rank: Chief Quartermaster
Division: U.S.S. Ticonderoga
Other Comments:
I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE MAY BE FAMILY TIES INVOLVED AS MY FAMILY ON MY FATHERS SIDE IS FROM THE OLD COUNTRY AND IS SPREAD THROUGH OUT WALES, IRELAND (COUNTY CORK) AND GERMANY. I HAVE FOUND NOTHING THAT WOULD MAKE THIS FACTUAL. WHATEVER THE CASE HE SERVED THE UNITED STATES NAVY, GRANDLY AND WITH HONOR. WE ARE PROUD THAT HE CARRIED THE NAME SUMMERS. OUR FAMILY HAS SEEN SERVICE IN ALL WARS TO DATE.
- Stanley K. Summers
