Arthur Joseph Anderson was born on July 8, 1916, in Winthrop, Buchanan County, Iowa. He was the son of Charley F. Anderson and Erika C. Anderson.
He enlisted in the Marines on February 15, 1942, and took training in San Diego and South Carolina. He was sent to New Zealand in 1943.
At the time of his death, Arthur was serving in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division. He was Killed in Action while engaging Japanese troops on Guam on July 25-26, 1944, at Third Marine Corps Division Asan-Adelup Beachhead in Guam.
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur J. Anderson (374881), Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the Third Battalion, Twenty-First Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces at the Asan-Adelup Beachhead, on the island of Guam in the Marianas, on the night of 25 - 26 July 1944. Taking command of the unit when his squad leader was wounded during the initial stages of attack, Corporal Anderson led his men with determined aggressiveness against a vastly outnumbering force of Japanese troops occupying a hill on the right flank of his battalion's position, continuing the bold assault until severely wounded in both legs. Ordered by his platoon leader to retire from the fierce, uneven battle, but unable to move, he consistently refused all aid and, steadfastly holding his station, directed the orderly withdrawal of his squad and evacuation of all wounded, covering the retirement with continuous, accurate rifle fire until struck and instantly killed by the enemy. An indomitable fighter, Corporal Anderson, by his intrepid initiative, resolute fortitude and great personal valor, contributed essentially to the successful withdrawal of his platoon and aided materially in averting their threatened annihilation. His self-sacrificing devotion to duty in the face of certain death reflects the highest credit upon Corporal Anderson and upon the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country. Commander in Chief, Pacific Forces: Serial 261 (September 20, 1944)
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