The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*ANDERSON, RICHARD A.
Rank and organization: Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division. Place
and date: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, 24 August 1969. Entered
service at: Houston, Tex. Born: 16 April 1948, Washington, D.C.
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the
call of duty while serving as an assistant team leader with Company E, in connection with
combat operations against an armed enemy. While conducting a patrol during the early
morning hours L/Cpl. Anderson's reconnaissance team came under a heavy volume of automatic
weapons and machinegun fire from a numerically superior and well concealed enemy force.
Although painfully wounded in both legs and knocked to the ground during the initial
moments of the fierce fire fight, L/Cpl. Anderson assumed a prone position and continued
to deliver intense suppressive fire in an attempt to repulse the attackers. Moments later
he was wounded a second time by an enemy soldier who had approached to within 8 feet of
the team's position. Undaunted, he continued to pour a relentless stream of fire at the
assaulting unit, even while a companion was treating his leg wounds. Observing an enemy
grenade land between himself and the other marine, L/Cpl. Anderson immediately rolled over
and covered the lethal weapon with his body, absorbing the full effects of the detonation.
By his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, L/Cpl.
Anderson was instrumental in saving several marines from serious injury or possible death.
His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the
U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
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