Memorial

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Robert Anderson enlisted on 28 March, 1942 at Fort MacArthur, San Pedro.

Per Lt. Dick Durkee in a journal dated in March 1945. “On the 3rd of January the push started. As we crossed the line of departure the weather was cloudy and very cold and it looked like snow. Our first objective was Derriere Wester which we took and captured two sniper [that were] left there to delay us. We pushed forward and soon things were getting bad.

I went forward and found the 3rd platoon halted by some more German snipers. I then took a BAR and with the aid of Sgt Anderson, crawled around the right flank and killed one of the snipers and the other got away. Sgt. Anderson was killed then. He was a former coal miner and was a very popular man in the company. I asked him if he was hit bad and he raised his hand in a sort of salute that seemed to say ‘I’m OK’ -- and then he died.”

Sgt Robert E. Anderson was first buried in a temporary grave. He was disinterred on 19 November 1947 and his remains were prepared and placed in a casket on the same day. He was given his final resting place on 23 August 1948.

Note: Note: In ABMC records and on his gravestone, his unit is referred to as a regiment. This is incorrect, however, as the 551st Parachute Infantry has always been a battalion.