James Anderson Jr.

Private First Class James Anderson Jr. (January 22, 1947 – February 28, 1967) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for heroism while serving in Vietnam in February 1967. When his Medal of Honor was awarded on August 21, 1968, he became the first African American U.S. Marine recipient of the Medal of Honor while serving in Vietnam.

Private Anderson left college to enlist in the United States Marine Corps on February 17, 1966,

Medal of HonorPurple HeartNational Defense Service MedalVietnam Service Medal with one bronze starVietnam Military Merit MedalVietnam Gallantry Cross with palmVietnam Campaign Medal

Medal of Honor citation The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to

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 Lộ 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. /S/ LYNDON B. JOHNSON

In memory The United States Navy prepositioning ship, MV PFC James Anderson Jr. (AK-3002) is named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient James Anderson Jr.

The name James Anderson Jr. is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ("The Wall") on Panel 15E - Row 112.

James Anderson Jr. Memorial Park in Carson, California, at the corner of Wilmington and University was named after James Anderson Jr.

Anderson Hall on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, home to PFC Anderson's Marine unit, was dedicated in his honor in 1972.

Anderson Avenue in Compton, California, is named after him.

The Downlow Saga, a 2017 novel by author Sheldon McCormick, is dedicated in memory of Anderson.