Place and Date: Republic of Vietnam, 28 February
1967.
Entered Service at: Los Angeles, Calif.
Born :22 January 1947, Los Angeles, Calif.
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.