Pfc. Richard Beatty Anderson, Marine Corps
Posted by: 
Hikenutty
N 47° 12.053 W 122° 33.443
10T E 533524 N 5227583
Richard Anderson was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1944 when he gave his life to save 3 other Marines by throwing himself on a grenade.
Waymark Code: WM29WD
Location: Washington, United States
Date Posted: 09/29/2007
Views: 90
Private First Class Richard Beatty Anderson of the United States Marine Corps was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery on Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands on February 1, 1944. Richard Anderson's citation reads:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 4th Marine Division during action against enemy Japanese forces. Entering a shell crater occupied by 3 other marines, Pfc. Anderson was preparing to throw a grenade at an enemy position when it slipped from his hands and rolled toward the men at the bottom of the hole. With insufficient time to retrieve the armed weapon and throw it, Pfc. Anderson fearlessly chose to sacrifice himself and save his companions by hurling his body upon the grenade and taking the full impact of the explosion. His personal valor and exceptional spirit of loyalty in the face of almost certain death were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
A U.S. Navy Destroyer "USS Richard B. Anderson" (DD786) was named in his honor and went on to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, earning 15 battle stars. In 1977 it was sold to the Taiwanese Navy, where it still serves in active duty under the name "Kai Yang".
Information from Russ Dodge at Findagrave.com.
The grave is located in the New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place, Washington, a suburb of Tacoma. You can download a map of the cemetery from their Website. The grave is located in Lot #5 Block C Section 1 #182.