| Birth: | Jan. 22, 1947 | | Death: | Feb. 28, 1967 | 
Viet Nam Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. Served during the War in Viet Nam in the United States Marine Corps as a Private First Class in the 2nd Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Republic of Viet Nam on February 28, 1967. His citation reads “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Company F was advancing in dense jungle northwest of Cam Lo in an effort to extract a heavily besieged reconnaissance patrol. Pfc. Anderson's platoon was the lead element and had advanced only about 200 meters when they were brought under extremely intense enemy small-arms and automatic weapons fire. The platoon reacted swiftly, getting on line as best they could in the thick terrain, and began returning fire. Pfc. Anderson found himself tightly bunched together with the other members of the platoon only 20 meters from the enemy positions. As the fire fight continued several of the men were wounded by the deadly enemy assault. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the marines and rolled alongside Pfc. Anderson's head. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he reached out, grasped the grenade, pulled it to his chest and curled around it as it went off. Although several Marines received shrapnel from the grenade, his body absorbed the major force of the explosion. In this singularly heroic act, Pfc. Anderson saved his comrades from serious injury and possible death. His personal heroism, extraordinary valor, and inspirational supreme self-sacrifice reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country”. His Medal was posthumously awarded to his family at the US Marine Barracks in Washington, DC by Secretary of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius on August 21, 1968. (bio by: Russ Dodge)
Cause of death: Killed In Action
Search Amazon for James Anderson | | | Burial:
Lincoln Memorial Park
Carson
Los Angeles County
California, USA
Plot: L-6 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Originally Created by: Russ Dodge
Record added: May 09, 2002
Find A Grave Memorial# 6404432 |
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James and I attended Harbor Junior College at approximately the same time. I finished H.S. one year ahead of James and graduated in June of 1964. I knew James in high school as well. James was a very nice boy that grew into a very nice young man. He was c...(Read more)
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Added: Apr. 2, 2013 |
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Added: Mar. 6, 2013 |
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