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U.S. Navy

Robert Blake

ConflictCivil War

Year of Action1863

Unit/CommandU.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead

BirthplaceSouth Carolina

Citation

On board the U.S. Steam Gunboat Marblehead off Legareville, Stono River, 25 December 1863, in an engagement with the enemy on John’s Island. Serving the rifle gun, Blake, an escaped slave, carried out his duties bravely throughout the engagement which resulted in the enemy’s abandonment of positions, leaving a caisson and one gun behind.

Branch: U.S. Navy Conflict: Civil War Year of Action: 1863