Background
Anderson was born on July 6, 1922 in Eagle, Wisconsin, and moved to nearby Soldiers Grove before joining the Army.
Anderson was born on July 6, 1922 in Eagle, Wisconsin, and moved to nearby Soldiers Grove before joining the Army.
Enlisting in the United States Army in 1942, Anderson was sent to the South West Pacific theater in July 1944. He earned the Bronze Star while serving on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. By April 13, 1945, he was participating in the Battle of Okinawa as a technical sergeant in the 381st Infantry Regiment, 96th Infantry Division.
During a Japanese counterattack at Kakazu Ridge on that day, he single-handedly held off a flanking force by alternately firing his carbine and throwing activated mortar shells.
Although seriously wounded by shrapnel during the action, he refused medical evacuation until he had reported the situation to his commander. Anderson served in the United States Army Reserve after the war, eventually gaining a commission as a second lieutenant.
He left the military on September 30, 1952, after ten years of service. After returning from the war, Anderson lived in Beloit, Wisconsin, and later spent time in Mackinac Island, Michigan.
Ultimately, he relocated to Monterey County, California, where he served as mayor and city councilman of Seaside and as a Monterey County Supervisor.
He lived on a cattle ranch near Hunter Liggett and spent the last years of his life in Salinas. Anderson died on November 7, 1996. They are buried together in Arlington National Cemetery.