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Navy Federal Credit Union
John
W.
Anderson
KIA (WWII)

Cemetery:

A.B.M.C. Florence

John Anderson joined the Oregon National Guard at age 17, but was discharged because of poor eyesight when the unit entered Federal service. He subsequently attended the University of Washington, before enlisting in the Army in 1942, and receiving his commission through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    361st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    91st Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    July 17, 1944
    Headquarters, FIFTH U.S. Army, General Orders No. 29 (March 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) John W. Anderson (ASN: 0-1297637), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces in Italy, on 17 July 1944. When his company was subjected to heavy enemy fire near Pansaeo, Italy, near the Arno River, Lieutenant Anderson crawled 200 yards across open ground to destroy with hand grenades an enemy machine gun. As he continued to advance, he was fatally wounded by a sniper. First Lieutenant Anderson’s extraordinary heroism, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.