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| | JAMES ANDERSON JR.
Private First Class
United States Marine Corps
James Anderson Jr.
Citation
Private First Class James Anderson Jr.
United States Marine Corps
For conspicuous gallantry and
intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a
rifleman, Second Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third
Marine Division, in Vietnam on 28 February 1967. Company F was advancing in
dense jungle northwest of Cam Lo in an effort to extract a heavily besieged
reconnaissance patrol. Private First Class 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. Private First Class
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 along side Private First
Class Anderson's head. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own
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, Private First Class 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 United States Naval Service. He gallantly
gave his life for his country.
Lyndon B. Johnson
President of the United States
Footnote: Private First Class Anderson
entered service at: Los Angeles, Calif. He was born: 22 January 1947, Los
Angeles, Calif.
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