World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II as a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands on February 1, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces. Entering a shell crater occupied by 3 other Marines, PFC Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, PFC Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." In 1945, the United States Navy Destroyer "USS Richard B. Anderson" (DD786) was named in his honor. It served through both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning a total of 15 battle stars. In 1977, it was sold to the Taiwanese Navy, where it served under the name "Kai Yang" until 1999.
World War II Medal of Honor Recipient. He served during World War II as a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the CMOH for his bravery on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands on February 1, 1944. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces. Entering a shell crater occupied by 3 other Marines, PFC Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, PFC Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country." In 1945, the United States Navy Destroyer "USS Richard B. Anderson" (DD786) was named in his honor. It served through both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, earning a total of 15 battle stars. In 1977, it was sold to the Taiwanese Navy, where it served under the name "Kai Yang" until 1999.
Bio by: RPD2
Inscription
MEDAL OF HONOR
PFC 23 MARINES 4 MARINE DIV
WORLD WAR II
Family Members
Other Records
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