Robert was born on the 19th of November, 1868 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and joined the US Navy in 1897.  His actions as a Seaman during the Spanish-American War earned him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Nashville during the cutting of the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Blume set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Robert went on to also serve in World War One and left the Navy at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He died on the 16th of September, 1937 at the age of 68 and in 2003, a Canadian businessman and his wife were arrested for trying to sell two Medals of Honor to an FBI agent. One of the Medals was Robert's Medal and the man was sentenced to jail after pleading guilty, due to violating Title 18, Chapter 33, Section 704 of the United States Code. Robert E Blume is buried in Arlington National Cemetery: section 6, grave 9752-SS, map grid v/w 19.5.