Robert Sommers

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

Photos from the Past

Robert E. Sommers

Robert E. Sommers was born on December 17, 1837 in Magdeburg, Prussia. He enlisted at New York City, New York in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Quartermaster and served on the USS Ticonderoga. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the January 13 to 15, 1865 Union Amry-Navy assualt and capture of Fort Fisher, North Carolina. His citation reads "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 3 consecutive days of battle until the flag was planted on one of the strongest fortifications possessed by the rebels". His Medal was awarded to him on June 22, 1865. He was one of 9 USS Ticonderoga crewmembers to be awarded the Medal of Honor for their bravery during the Civil War. He died on December 1, 1919 and is buried at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery (Gravesite: Lot 235) in Annapolis, Maryland. Photograph and information submitted by Robert Covington.


Robert E. Sommers

USS Ticonderoga