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for service as set forth in the
following
CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life
above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Assistant Fire Team
Leader with Company E, Third Reconnaissance Battalion, Third Marine
Division, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in
the Republic of Vietnam. While conducting a patrol during the early
morning hours of 24 August 1969, Lance Corporal Anderson's reconnaissance
team came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and machine-gun fire
from a numerically superior and well-concealed enemy force. Although
painfully wounded in both legs and knocked to the ground during the
initial moments of the fierce fire fight, Lance Corporal Anderson assumed
a prone position and continued to deliver intense suppressive fire in an
attempt to repulse the attackers. Moments later he was wounded a second
time by an enemy soldier who had approached to within eight feet of the
team's position. Undaunted, he continued to pour a relentless stream of
fire at the assaulting unit, even while a companion was treating his leg
wounds. Observing an enemy grenade land between himself and the other
Marine, Lance Corporal Anderson immediately rolled over and covered the
lethal weapon with his body, absorbing the full effects of the detonation.
By his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to
duty, Lance Corporal Anderson was instrumental in saving several Marines
from serious injury or possible death. His actions were in keeping with
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval
Service. He gallantly gave
his life in the service of his country. |
