Sommers volunteered for service in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to the Union sloop-of-war USS Ticonderoga (1862).

On January 15, 1865, the North Carolina Confederate stronghold of Fort Fisher was taken by a combined Union storming party of sailors, marines, and soldiers under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter and General Alfred Terry.

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Chief Quartermaster Robert Sommers, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving on board the U.S.S.

The ship took position in the line of battle and maintained a well-directed fire upon the batteries to the left of the palisades during the initial phase of the engagement.

59 (June 22, 1865) Action Date: January 15, 1865 Service: Navy Rank: Chief Quartermaster Division: U.S.S.