Johannes Seigfried Anderson

He crossed hostile fire alone to capture a gun and prisoners

Johannes Seigfried Anderson was born on July 20, 1887, in Finland. During World War I, he served as first sergeant of Company B, 132d Infantry, 33d Division, in the U.S. Army.

On October 8, 1918, at Consenvoye, France, intense artillery and machine-gun fire stopped his company. Anderson voluntarily moved forward alone, crossing exposed ground under continuous fire. He worked around to the rear of the machine-gun nest offering the strongest resistance, silenced and captured the weapon, and returned with 23 prisoners. His action removed an obstacle to his company's advance.

General John J. Pershing presented his Medal of Honor at Chaumont, France, on February 9, 1919. Anderson died in Chicago on April 3, 1950, and was buried at Acacia Cemetery. His award commemorates the initiative of a senior enlisted soldier who attacked a position alone when his unit was held up.

Official citation While his company was being held up by intense artillery and machine-gun fire, 1st Sgt. Anderson, without aid, voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the rear of the nest that was offering the most stubborn resistance. His advance was made through an open area and under constant hostile fire, but the mission was successfully accomplished, and he not only silenced the gun and captured it, but also brought back with him 23 prisoners.