Career
Born in 1838 in Baltimore, Maryland, Sterling was still living in that city when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a coal heaver on the United States Ship Brooklyn. At the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, he helped supply ammunition to Brooklyn"s guns despite being wounded, and continued at this task until receiving a second wound.
On board the United States.S. Brooklyn during successful attacks against Fort Morgan, rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee in Mobile Bay, on 5 August 1864.
Although wounded when heavy enemy return fire raked the decks of his ship, Sterling courageously remained at his post and continued passing shell until struck down a second time and completely disabled. Burial: Western Cemetery Baltimore Baltimore City Maryland, United States of America Plot: Area M, Lot 271, Grave 1.
