1968: PFC James Anderson, Jr.

While advancing through the dense Vietnamese jungle, a platoon from the 3rd Marine Division came under intense enemy fire. The platoon moved together protectively as they returned fire.  
 
An enemy grenade landed in the midst of the platoon and rolled next to Private First Class James Anderson, Jr. Selflessly, he reached for the grenade, pulled it to his chest and wrapped his body around it 
as it exploded.  
 
PFC Anderson saved his platoon from serious injury and death, sacrificing his own life for his Marines and his country.

For this courageous act, he became the first African-American Marine to be awarded our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor.