Today my walk was dedicated in honor of:
Marine LCPL Richard Allen Anderson, Age 21 of Houston, TX
KIA Aug. 24, 1969 Vietnam
LCPL Anderson was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Assistant Fire Team Leader with Company E, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, in connect with combat operations against an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. While conducting a patrol during the early morning hours of 24 August 1969, Lance Corporal Anderson’s reconnaissance team came under a heavy volume of automatic weapons and machine gun fire from a numerically superior and well concealed enemy force. Although painfull wounded in both legs and knocked to the ground during the initial moments of the fierce fire fight, Lance Corporal Anderson assumed a prone position and continued to deliver intense suppressive fire in an attempt to repulse the attackers. Moments later he was wounded a second time by an enemy soldier who had approached to within eight feet of the team’s position. Undaunted, he continued to pur a relentless stream of fire at the assaulting unit, even while a companion was treating his legs wounds. Observing an enemy hand grenade land between himself and the other Marine, Lance Corporal Anderson immediately rolled over and covered the lethal weapon with his body, absorbing the full effects of the detonation. By his indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty, Lance Corporal Anderson was instrumental in saving several Marines from serious injury or possible death. His actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Richard is buried in the Forest Park Cemetery, Houston , TX.
We had a great 10.62 Mile walk this morning. We got to hear the geese on Holiday Hills Lake this morning as we headed out. We could not see them as it was to dark out. We walked by CCHS and we got a view of the sunrise while we were on Miller Bypass. We then walked by the Justice Center and stopped up town at the War Memorial Park to read some names off the memorial wall. We then headed to the Crossville City Cemetery to visit with a few of our fallen brothers and sisters. We then walked over by the post office and came back up Sparta Hwy. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero this morning. We had 143 honks. Thank You.
Marine LCPL Richard Allen Anderson will not be forgotten !
