RICHARD ALLEN ANDERSON (1948 ~ 1969) Richard Allen Anderson was born in Washington D.C. on April 16, 1948. His parents moved to Houston, Texas, and he attended elementary through high school there. After graduating from M.B. Smiley High School in 1966, Anderson attended San Jacinto Junior College in Pasadena, Texas, for a year and six months.
He enlisted in the Marine Corps on April 8, 1968, with friend Thomas L. Adams under the "Buddy System," which would place the pair in the same recruit platoon. After training at San Diego and Camp Pendleton, California, Anderson was promoted to Private First Class on July 1, 1968. He completed his training in October 1968 and was assigned to Sub Unit 1, Provisional Service Battalion, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade.
In November of 1968 Anderson was reassigned to the Third Marine Division in Vietnam. At first he served as a rifleman with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines. He then assumed duties as a scout with Company E, Third Recon Battalion, Third Marine Division in January 1969, later becoming assistant team leader. Anderson was promoted to Lance Corporal on June 1, 1969.
On August 24, 1969, Anderson was on an early morning patrol in the Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam. The unit was suddenly attacked by a large but well concealed enemy force. Anderson was knocked to the ground and wounded in both legs early in the attack, but continued to provide accurate and heavy fire against the enemy. He was wounded again by an enemy soldier who crept within a few feet of his position. Another Marine arrived by Anderson's side to administer first aid to his wounds and Anderson continued his firing at the enemy even while being treated. An enemy grenade landed in between Anderson and the other soldier; Anderson immediately rolled over the grenade and shielded his companion from the explosion. For his actions, Anderson was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The medal was presented to his family by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on September 15, 1971. Anderson is buried in Forest Park Cemetery in Houston, Texas.
Bibliography: "Above and Beyond: The Medal of Honor in Texas," Capitol Visitors Center, State Preservation Board of Texas. The Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association, University of Texas, http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/AA/fanyy.html, April 26, 2006. "Lance Corporal Richard Allen Anderson, USMC," Keystone Marines.com, http://www.keystonemarines.com/article.php?story=20040522093906393, April 26, 2006. "Who's Who in Marine Corps History," United State Marine Corps History Division, http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/HD/Historical/Whos_Who/Anderson_RA.htm, April 26, 2006.
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