Robert Augustus Sweeney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Augustus Sweeney
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Grave at Calvary Cemetery
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| Born | February 20, 1853 Montserrat |
| Died | December 19, 1890 (aged 37) |
| Place of burial |
Calvary Cemetery, New York City
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1881 - 1884 |
| Rank | Ordinary Seaman |
| Unit | USS Kearsarge, USS Yantic |
| Awards | Medal of Honor (2) |
Robert Augustus Sweeney (born February 20, 1853 – died December 19, 1890) was a brave sailor in the United States Navy. He is one of only nineteen people in history to receive the Medal of Honor twice. What makes his story even more special is that he is the only African American to earn this top award two times. Both of his awards were for heroic actions during peacetime.
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Who Was Robert Sweeney?
Robert Augustus Sweeney was born on February 20, 1853, on the beautiful Caribbean island of Montserrat. He later joined the United States Navy in New Jersey.
Robert Sweeney was an ordinary seaman, which is a rank for a sailor who is learning the ropes. He showed incredible courage during his time in the Navy.
First Medal of Honor: Saving a Shipmate
On October 26, 1881, Robert Sweeney was serving on the ship USS Kearsarge. The ship was anchored in a place called Hampton Roads. Suddenly, a sailor named E.M. Christoverson fell from a ladder into the water. Christoverson couldn't swim, and the water was rough with a strong current. He started to sink quickly.
Without a second thought, Sweeney jumped into the water to help. Christoverson, in a panic, grabbed onto Sweeney and pulled him underwater. Sweeney managed to break free, but Christoverson grabbed him again, pulling him under a second time. Another officer, Cadet Midshipman John B. Bernadon, also jumped in to help. Together, Sweeney and Bernadon kept Christoverson afloat until their shipmates threw them a rope. They pulled Christoverson safely back onto the ship.
For his amazing bravery, Robert Sweeney was given his first Medal of Honor just six days later, on November 1.
Second Medal of Honor: Another Life Saved
Just over two years later, on December 20, 1883, Robert Sweeney was serving on a different ship, the USS Yantic. The Yantic was docked next to another training ship, the USS Jamestown, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
In the afternoon, a young boy named A.A. George, who was part of the Jamestown crew, fell overboard from a plank connecting the two ships. The ship's logbook from the Yantic recorded that the boy "would have probably drowned" if not for the quick actions of Robert A. Sweeney and another sailor from the Jamestown, J.W. Norris. Both men jumped into the water to rescue the boy.
Because of his heroic act, Robert Sweeney received his second Medal of Honor. This made him one of the very few people to earn this prestigious award twice.
Later Life and Legacy
Robert Augustus Sweeney passed away on December 19, 1890, when he was 37 years old. He is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Queens, New York. Even though his grave location is unknown, his incredible bravery and selfless actions are remembered. He stands as a true hero in American history.
See also
- List of Medal of Honor recipients during Peacetime
- List of African American Medal of Honor recipients
