Robert Anderson (Medal of Honor)

Robert Anderson (December 25, 1843 – June 20, 1900) was a Union Navy sailor in the American Civil War and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.

Biography
A native of Ireland, Anderson was born December 25, 1843 joined the Navy from New Hampshire and served as a quartermaster on the USS Crusader (1858) and the short-lived USS Keokuk (1862). During the First Battle of Charleston Harbor on April 7, 1863, Anderson was at the wheel of the Keokuk as it took heavy fire from the Confederates. When a shell hit the wheelhouse, he used his body to shield his commanding officer from flying debris. For his service aboard the Crusader and Keokuk, and specifically his actions at Charleston Harbor, he was awarded the Medal of Honor on July 10, 1863.

Anderson died at age 56 and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Medal of Honor citation
Anderson's official Medal of Honor citation reads: "Served on board the U.S.S. Crusader and the Keokuk during various actions of those vessels. Carrying out his duties skillfully while on board the U.S.S. Crusader, Q.M. Anderson, on all occasions, set forth the greatest intrepidity and devotion. During the attack on Charleston, while serving on board the U.S.S. Keokuk, Q.M. 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."