Anderson, Richard Beatty

Date of birth:: June 26th, 1921 (Tacoma, Washington)
Date of death:: February 1st, 1944 (Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, Marshall Islands)
Buried on:: American War Graves New Tacoma Cemetery
Plot: 1. Row: C. Grave: 5.
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Private First Class (Marine)
Unit:: 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division "Fighting Fourth", U.S. Marine Corps

"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. 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."

Awarded posthumously