ANDERSON-ARTHUR

ANDERSON, ARTHUR
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Arthur Anderson (3764609), Fireman First Class, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty in action against the enemy while serving on board the Destroyer U.S.S. REID (DD-369), in remaining at his battle station beyond the point of escape, while the U.S.S. REID was afire and sinking,  the result of an enemy air attack on 11 December 1944. Although his ship was mortally hit, listing sixty degrees, and in imminent danger of sinking, Fireman First Class Anderson remained at his machine gun, alone an up to his waist in water, maintaining an effective fire against the enemy. By such heroic action, he forfeited his opportunity to escape and was carried down with the ship when she sank two minutes after being hit. The gallant courage and utter disregard for personal safety displayed by Fireman First Class Anderson is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Submitted by Doug Bewall RMCM USN Ret.