Anderson, Bernard H.

Service number:: 37 020 075
Nationality:: American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

Bernhard Anderson grew up on a farm outside Rollag, Minnesota. He served four year during World War Two. Before being send abroad he assisted the Army intelligence in drawing maps of Africa when planning the invasion in Northern Africa. Beceause he knew how to drive a tractor, he was detailed to drive a tank and at first became the tank driver of John K. Waters (General Pattons son-in-law). The crew was split up before D-Day and Anderson was placed with another tank commander. Beceause he was raised with the Norwegian language, which was somewhat similar to German, he often was send to talk to German civilians when the troops needed shelter for resting.

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Bronze Star Medal (BSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Staff Sergeant
Unit:: 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division (67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division)
Awarded on:: December 1st, 1944

Citation:
"For heroic achievement in action against the enemy on 11 August 1944 in France. During the course of an enemy bombing attack against the 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, a 500 pound bomb fell directly in the center of a platoon area, killing and wounding several of the platoon members and setting fire to five vehicles. Staff Sergeant Anderson first assisted some of the wounded out of the area to safety, then he returned to remove ammunition from the burning vehicles. He moved vehicles that were able to be moved and extinguished flames on others. Throughout this entire action, Staff Sergeant Anderson was subjected to exploding ammunition, flares, grenades and gasoline. He worked constantly in the brilliantly lighted area clearing personnel, aware of the immediate possibility of enemy strafing and bombing in the lighted area. The valor and courage displayed by Staff Sergeant Anderson reflected great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service."

APO 252, Headquarters 2nd Armored Division.
General Orders No. 71, Headquarters 2nd Armored Division (1 December 1944).

Sources

- General Orders No. 71, Headquarters 2nd Armored Division (1 December 1944)