This Day in History: August 21, 1968

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On August 21, 1968, US Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) James Anderson Jr. is posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, making him the first African-American Marine to be awarded the decoration. Born on January 22, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, Anderson left college in 1966 to enlist in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Promoted to the rank of Private First Class, PFC Anderson was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 3rd Marine Division in Quang Tri Province. On February 28, 1967, PFC Anderson was killed in action when his platoon was ambushed by personnel of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN). During the ambush, a grenade landed among the Marines and next to PFC Anderson. Anderson proceeded to cover the grenade with his body, sacrificing his life to save those of the men around him. For his actions, America's highest military honor for valor was awarded to PFC James Anderson Jr.

The Medal of Honor citation for Private First Class James Anderson Jr. is found below:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a rifleman, Second Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Third Marines, Third Marine Division, in Vietnam on 28 February 1967. Company F was advancing in dense jungle northwest of Cam Lộ in an effort to extract a heavily besieged reconnaissance patrol. Private First Class Anderson's platoon was the lead element and had advanced only about 200 meters when they were brought under extremely intense enemy small arms and automatic weapons fire. The platoon reacted swiftly, getting on line as best they could in the thick terrain, and began returning fire. Private First Class Anderson found himself tightly bunched together with the other members of the platoon only 20 meters from the enemy positions. As the fire fight continued several of the men were wounded by the deadly enemy assault. Suddenly, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the Marines and rolled alongside Private First Class Anderson's head. Unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, he reached out, grasped the grenade, pulled it to his chest and curled around it as it went off. Although several Marines received shrapnel from the grenade, his body absorbed the major force of the explosion. In this singularly heroic act, Private First Class Anderson saved his comrades from serious injury and possible death. His personal heroism, extraordinary valor, and inspirational supreme self-sacrifice reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

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