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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
Dictator Class Monitor: Displacement: 4,438 tons. Dimensions: 312 x 50 x 20.5 feet/95.1 x 15.24 x 6.25 meters. Propulsion: Ericsson VL engines, 6 boilers, 1 shaft, 3,500 ihp, 11 knots. Crew: 175. Armor: Iron: 1-6 inch sides, 2 inch deck, 15 inch turret. Armament: 1 dual turret with 2x15 inch Dahlgren smooth-bore.
Concept/Program: The first purpose-built US monitor intended to be truly seagoing; was designed as a "seagoing high speed monitor". Although her speed and seaworthiness were an improvement over previous ships, the design had problems, and she left much to be desired.
Design: A single-turret Ericsson design, generally increased in size over the coastal ships, with the lines of the raft improved, and with less overhang. There was a tall funnel and tall ventilation shaft; there probably was a light hurricane deck amidships. Design speed was 15 knots, but this was not reached. The design was overweight, reducing free-board to 16 inches. The main shaft bearings were too short, resulting in excessive wear.
Operational: Contracted to John Ericsson, construction subcontracted to Delameter Iron Works, New York. Laid down 16 June 1862, launched 2 December 1863, commissioned 11 November 1864. Was sent to participate in the assault on Fort Fisher, but had to return to port due to excessive wear on the shaft bearings. Decommissioned to reserve 5 September 1865, was recommissioned 20 July 1869. Dictator served with the North Atlantic Fleet until 28 June 1871 when she was again placed out of commission. She was in ordinary at New York Navy Yard until 12 January 1874 when she was commissioned for service on the North Atlantic Station.
Fate: Dictator was decommissioned at League Island 1 June 1877 and remained there until sold 27 September 1883.
