Richard B. Anderson

Richard Beatty Anderson was a United States Marine who served with distinction during World War II. Born in Tacoma, Washington, he joined the Marine Corps during the war and was deployed to the Pacific theater. It was during the Marshall Islands campaign that Anderson would perform the ultimate act of self-sacrifice.

On February 1, 1944, during the battle of Kwajalein Atoll on Roi-Namur, Private First Class Anderson was in a shell crater with several other Marines. While preparing to throw a grenade, it slipped from his hands. Realizing the danger to his comrades, Anderson chose to throw himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast of the explosion. His quick and selfless action saved the lives of his fellow Marines.

For his extreme heroism and sacrifice, Anderson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. He was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. His legacy lives on through his decorations and the naming of the destroyer USS Richard B. Anderson in his honor.