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Richard Allen Anderson | |
|---|---|
 Richard A. Anderson, Medal of Honor recipient | |
| Born | 16 April 1948 Washington, D.C. |
| Died | 24 August 1969 (aged 21) near Vandegrift Combat Base, Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam |
| Place of burial | Forest Park Cemetery, Houston, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1968–1969 |
| Rank |  Lance Corporal |
| Unit |  Company E, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War † |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Purple Heart Combat Action Ribbon |
Lance Corporal Richard Allen Anderson (16 April 1948 – 24 August 1969) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions above and beyond the call of duty in August 1969 during the Vietnam War.
On 24 August 1969, Anderson's platoon was ambushed near Vandegrift Combat Base in Quang Tri Province. Anderson was wounded early in the skirmish but delivered suppressing fire on the North Vietnamese forces. When a militant threw a grenade at the American forces, Anderson threw himself on it and saved the life of another Marine.