Robert Blake (Medal of Honor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Blake
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U.S. Navy poster featuring Contraband Robert Blake
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| Born | Unknown Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | Unknown |
| Allegiance |  United States of America
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| Service/ |
 United States Navy
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| Rank | Seaman |
| Unit | USS Vermont USS Marblehead |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Robert Blake was a brave sailor in the Union Navy during the American Civil War. He received the Medal of Honor, which is America's highest award for military bravery. Blake was one of the first African American heroes to earn this special medal. His medal was given to him in 1864. Another hero, William Harvey Carney, performed his Medal of Honor action first, but received his medal later.
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Robert Blake's Amazing Bravery
Robert Blake was born into slavery in Virginia. This meant he was not free. In June 1862, his owner's farm was burned during a Union Navy trip up the Santee River. About 400 enslaved people from the farm, including Robert, were taken by Union ships. They were called "contraband" and sent to North Island. While there, Robert Blake decided to join the Navy. He became a sailor on the USS Vermont.
Heroism in Battle
By December 1863, Blake was serving on the gunboat USS Marblehead. He was a steward, helping Lieutenant Commander Richard Worsam Meade. Early one morning, the Marblehead came under attack. Confederate soldiers fired a large gun called a howitzer from the shore.
As the battle began, Lieutenant Commander Meade rushed to the ship's main deck. Blake quickly followed him, handing him his uniform. He urged his commander to change out of his night clothes. Blake then went to the ship's gun deck, where the cannons were. An exploding shell immediately knocked him down. The explosion had killed a young sailor who was carrying gunpowder.
Blake did not have a combat role. He could have gone to a safer place below deck. But he chose to help. He took over the dead sailor's job. He took off his shirt and started carrying boxes of gunpowder to the cannons. When his commander asked what he was doing, Blake bravely replied, "Went down to the rocks to hide my face, but the rocks said there is no hiding place here. So here I am, Sir."
The Confederates eventually left their position. For his brave actions during this fight, Robert Blake received the Medal of Honor. He got this special award four months later, on April 16, 1864.
After the Battle
After this battle, Blake was promoted to seaman. He joined the Navy again for another term. During this time, he served on the USS Vermont once more. We do not know much about what happened to him after that.
