Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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World War II - U.S. Marine Corps

Richard Beatty Anderson

Details
  • Rank: Private First Class
  • Conflict/Era: World War II
  • Unit/Command:
    Company E, 2d Battalion, 23d Marines,
    4th Marine Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: February 1, 1944
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands
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 three 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. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Medal of Honor Recipient Richard B. Anderson
Medal of Honor Recipient Richard B. Anderson
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Washington
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: Seattle, Washington, presented by Rear Adm. J.A. Taffinder, Commandandant, 13th Naval District to his parents
  • Born: June 26, 1921, Tacoma, Pierce County, WA, United States
  • Died: February 1, 1944, Roi Island, Marshall Islands
  • Buried: New Tacoma Cemetery, Tacoma, WA, United States
 

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