Private First Class
United States Marine Corps
James Anderson Jr.
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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