ANDERSON, JAMES, JR.

Rank and organization: Private First Class. U.S. Marine Corps. 2nd Platoon, Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division

Place: Republic of Vietnam

Date: 28 February 1967

Entered service at: Los Angeles, California

Born: 22 January 1947, Los Angeles, California

Citation:

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.

------------------------------------------------------------------

--- General / Personal ---

Last name: ANDERSON

First name: JAMES JR

Home of Record (official): COMPTON

State (official): CA

Date of Birth: Wednesday, January 22, 1947

Sex: Male

Race: Negro

Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Marine Corps

Rank: PFC

Serial Number: 2241921

Component: Regular

Pay grade: E2

MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 0311

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Unknown/Not reported

Date of Casualty: Tuesday, February 28, 1967

Age at time of loss: 20

Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died

Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)

Country: South VietNam

Province: Quang Tri

The Wall: Panel 15E - Row 112

------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to:Medal Of Honor Recipients