Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Conrad Vernor Anderson (ASN: 0-1288494), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an enemy of the United States on 9 November 1942. During the landings at Taya, Algeria, First Lieutenant Anderson saw the sea filled with men clinging to rafts and life belts, unable to swim ashore because of the heavy surf. These men were survivors from a troop ship which had been torpedoed aproximately a mile off-shore. First Lieutenant Anderson entered the rough water and bean to bring the survivors safely to shore. First Lieutenant Anderson continued to swim back and forth through the heavy sea from approximately 3 o’clock in the afternoon until he was utterly exhausted at about 6:30 in the evening. At one time the enemy strafed the beach with machine gun fire. The bold, courageous action of First Lieutenant Anderson resulted in saving the lives of approximately 30 men. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by First Lieutenant Anderson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    39th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    9th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    April 1943
    Headquarters, SEVENTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 32 (October 15, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Conrad Vernor Anderson (ASN: 0-1288494), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with an Infantry Company of the 1st Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces at Sedjeneos, Tunisia, in April 1943. Although he was not the senior officer, Captain Anderson assumed command of his Battalion after his Commander and three other officers had become casualties. He then led it to the conquest of an important objective, Hill 139, which when captured, gave the battalion valuable positions for observation which eventually obliged the enemy to withdraw. Captain Anderson’s outstanding courage and leadership in this grave situation was an inspiration to the men of his battalion. His personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.