PFC James Anderson Jr. was the first African American Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor. 



                         

Born on the 22nd Jan, 1947, PFC Anderson was posthumously awarded the Nation's highest award for valor while serving in Vietnam on Feb 28th, 1967.  He became the first African American Marine to receive the Medal of Honor on 21 August, 1968.

After graduating High School in Los Angeles, PFC Anderson attended Los Angeles Harbor Junior College for a year and a half before enlisting in the Marine Corps on February 17th, 1966.   He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego and was promoted to PFC upon graduation.  After recruit training PFC Anderson received follow-on infantry training at Camp Pendleton.

PFC Anderson arrived in Vietnam during Dec 1966 where he ase assigned as a rifleman, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division.  His unit operated in Quang Tri Province.    On February 28, 1967 he was mortally wounded during close in fighting with the enemy.  PFC Anderson's actions saved the lives of his fellow Marines.

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 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 alongside 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.

PFC Anderson's medals and decorations include: the Medal of Honor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze star, the Vietnamese Military Merit Medal, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

The United States Navy Prepositioning Ship, USNS PFC James Anderson, Jr is named in his honor.

The James Anderson, Jr. Memorial Park in Carson California is also named in his honor.


Resources for Marines about PFC James Anderson, Jr 

PFC James Anderson, Jr (USMC, TECOM)

PFC James Anderson, Jr (Wikipedia)

Military Sealift Command