Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Marine Corps

James Anderson Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    2d Platoon, Company F, 2d Battalion, 3d Marines,
    3d Marine Division (Rein) FMF
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 28, 1967
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: northwest of Cam Lo, Republic of Vietnam
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 firefight 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.
Medal of Honor Recipient James Anderson Jr.
Medal of Honor Recipient James Anderson Jr.
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 21, 1968
    Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., presented by Sec. of the Navy Paul R. Ignatius to his family
  • Born: January 22, 1947, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA, United States
  • Died: February 28, 1967, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Lincoln Memorial Park (M-06-23), Compton, CA, United States
 

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