The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander (CEC) Richard E. Anderson (NSN: 0-532024), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion NINE (USMCB-9) in the Republic of Vietnam from June 1965 to February 1966. Exhibiting outstanding professional skill and resourcefulness, Commander Anderson planned and directed the deployment of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion NINE to Vietnam. Assigned a camp site in an un-secured area, he skillfully planned and directed the camp construction which has subsequently withstood two heavy attacks from the insurgent Viet Cong and has become a model camp site for future NMCB camps in Vietnam. Under his sound and inspiring leadership, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion NINE constructed a complex 400-bed station hospital, replaced a damaged 310-foot section of the DaNang River Bridge, constructed an extremely tortuous road on top of Monkey Mountain to a vitally needed LAAM site, erected massive covered storage for protection of critical supply items, and built many other smaller, but urgently required projects. Commander Anderson’s leadership, judgment and devotion to duty throughout, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Anderson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Lieutenant Commander (CEC) Richard E. Anderson (NSN: 0-532024), United States Navy, for heroism while serving at U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot Bangor on 25 May 1964. Upon arriving at the scene of an automobile accident at the intersection of highway 305 and Bond Road, Kitsap County, near Poulsbo, Washington, Lieutenant Commander Anderson noticed the woman driver was pinned in the wrecked and burning car. With complete disregard for his own safety and fully aware of the personal dangers involved, Lieutenant Commander Anderson unhesitatingly broke a window and entered the flaming automobile and effected the rescue of the woman. His courageous and prompt actions in the face of great personal risk undoubtedly saved the woman from being burned to death and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Commander (CEC)Batallion:
U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 9Action Date:
October 27 & 28, 1965
Board Serial 1229 (March 7, 1966)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander (CEC) Richard E. Anderson (NSN: 0-532024), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion NINE (USNMCB-9) near DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, against the Viet Cong during the night of 27 and 28 October 1965. When his Battalion’s camp was suddenly struck by intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire, Commander Anderson courageously moved from his covered position at his living area to the Battalion Command Post, and in so doing, was wounded in the leg by fragments from a mortar explosion. Ignoring his painful wounds and the incessant fire, he continued on to the Command Post and took direct control of the execution of his effective defensive plan. As the battle progressed, he boldly moved about the camp, directing the care and evacuation of the wounded, and encouraging his men. He resolutely rejected treatment of his wounds until all other known wounded had been treated. By his heroic actions and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of grave personal risk, Commander Anderson upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain (CEC)Action Date:
November 1970 – October 1971
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain (CEC) Richard E. Anderson (NSN: 0-532024), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in armed conflict gains the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong communist aggressors in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1970 to October 1971. While serving as the Director of Construction, Southern Area, then as Deputy Officer in Charge of Construction for Operations and later as Deputy Officer in Charge of Construction, Republic of Vietnam, Captain Anderson performed his duties in an exemplary manner. As Director of Construction, Southern Area, he was responsible for the coordination and supervision of a $26 million construction effort in Military Regions III and IV. This responsibility was met with confident leadership and success while it encompassed diverse and geographically remote construction projects and sites which subjected him to enemy harassment and attack. Major bridges, highway construction, small craft bases, advisor compounds and depot upgrades were accomplished by the Cost Plus Award Fee contractor and numerous Lump Sum contractors under his direction. As Deputy Officer in Charge of Construction for Operations, he served with distinction. The 22,000 man Cost Plus Award Fee Contract was entirely re-oriented from an on-going effort to an integrated effort for completion by a deadline date. As Deputy Officer in Charge of Construction, Republic of Vietnam, Captain Anderson developed the completion schedule for the Cost Plus Award Fee Contract for $125 million of construction with a balanced work force, material stockpile and equipment assets leading to an efficient and timely termination. His performance was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Anderson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)