🏅 Quartermaster Robert N. Anderson – U.S. Navy Medal of Honor Recipient

Born: December 25, 1843, Ireland (credited to New Hampshire)
Died: June 20, 1900, Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Buried: Calvary Cemetery, Portsmouth, NH
Service: U.S. Navy, enlisted circa 1858, served through the Civil War
Rank: Quartermaster
Ships: USS Crusader and USS Keokuk

A Story of Courage Under Fire

Robert N. Anderson, born in Ireland and credited to New Hampshire, was a Navy Quartermaster who displayed extraordinary bravery during the Civil War. Serving on board the USS Crusader and the USS Keokuk, Anderson carried out his duties with skill and unwavering devotion.

During the attack on Charleston Harbor in April 1863, while stationed at the wheel of the USS Keokuk, a shot penetrated the wheelhouse. With iron fragments scattering dangerously, Anderson used his own body as a shield to protect his commanding officer from harm. This selfless act of courage earned him the Medal of Honor later that year.

Medal of Honor Citation

“Served on board the USS Crusader and the USS Keokuk during various actions of those vessels. Carrying out his duties skillfully while on board the USS Crusader, Quartermaster Anderson, on all occasions, set forth the greatest intrepidity and devotion. During the attack on Charleston, while serving on board the USS Keokuk, Quartermaster Anderson was stationed at the wheel when shot penetrated the house and, with the scattering of the iron, used his own body as a shield for his commanding officer.”

Service Highlights

• Immigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1852

• Enlisted in the U.S. Navy around 1858, credited to New Hampshire

• Served aboard Civil War ironclads USS Crusader and USS Keokuk

• Wounded during the attack on Charleston Harbor; survived the sinking of the USS Keokuk

• Awarded the Medal of Honor in July 1863

• Passed away in Portsmouth, NH in 1900 and buried locally

Quartermaster Anderson’s story is a powerful example of steadfast courage and devotion to duty, bringing honor both to the U.S. Navy and the state of New Hampshire.

Sources

Congressional Medal of Honor Society – Recipient Profile

Military Times Hall of Valor

Civil War Canney Camp Blog