Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Stewards-Mate 1st Class

Unit:

U.S.C.G.C. Comanche

Citation:
"For heroic and courageous conduct in effecting the rescue of survivors from the torpedoed S.S. DORCHESTER on 3 February 1943. When the benumbed survivors of S.S. DORCHESTER were unable, because of heavy seas and freezing winds, to make any efforts to climb on board the rescue ship, Ensign Anderson volunteered for the dangerous task of going over side and working in rough freezing water in order to assist the exhausted and helpless survivors in reaching the safety of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter U.S.S. COMANCHE. In spite of strong, sub-freezing wind and rough, near-freezing seas, he disregarded all discomforts and danger and worked with complete disregard of his own safety until he and fellow volunteers had rescued a total of 93 survivors from certain death in steadily mounting seas. The bravery, determination and disregard for his own safety displayed by Ensign Anderson in assisting in the rescue of almost 100 helpless survivors were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Awarded posthumously.