Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps. Born: 26 June 1921, Tacoma, Wash. Accredited to: Washington.
Citation... 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 on Roi
Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands, 1 February 1944. 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.
Anderson, Richard Beatty
