Edwin Anderson Jr.
Edwin Alexander Anderson Jr. | |
---|---|
Born | Wilmington, North Carolina, US | 16 July 1860
Died | 23 September 1933 Masonboro Sound, Wilmington, North Carolina, US | (aged 73)
Place of burial | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service/ | United States Navy |
Years of service | 1882–1924 |
Rank | Admiral |
Commands held |
|
Battles/wars | Spanish–American War
|
Awards |
Edwin Alexander Anderson Jr. (16 July 1860 – 23 September 1933) was a
.Early life and career
Anderson was born in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was appointed a cadet midshipman to the United States Naval Academy from the 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina, on 28 June 1878, and graduated with the Class of 1882, receiving his ensign's stripe on 1 July 1884, after the customary two-year's sea duty.[1]
Anderson advanced slowly up the promotion ladder, such advancements in those times being received on basis of seniority; he remained an ensign for ten years before becoming a lieutenant, junior grade. Detached from the cruiser Columbia, Anderson reported on board the cruiser Marblehead on 28 January 1897, and was serving in that ship at the time of the outbreak of the Spanish–American War in the spring of 1898.[2]
Spanish–American War
At that time, the United States Navy threw a blockade around
To sever this vital link,
After the guns of the two warships smashed Spanish positions ashore, the boats moved in to carry out the operation. Anderson's boat quickly snatched up the first cable and, assisted by Nashville's boat, cut it. They soon
Subsequently, Anderson delivered the prize steamer Adula to Savannah, Georgia, in July 1898, and was given command of another Spanish prize, the gunboat Alvarado. Recommended for advancement in grade for his heroism at Cienfuegos in August 1898, this advancement (five numbers in grade) came finally on 11 February 1901.
Post-war advancement, Medal of Honor
Anderson commanded the gunboat
Late in 1913, Anderson was given command of the battleship New Hampshire, and while in command of that ship, took part in the American intervention at Veracruz, Mexico, in April 1914. Given command of the Second Seaman Regiment, Anderson led that bluejacket landing force ashore and so distinguished himself in the fighting that followed that he received the Medal of Honor.[2]
Subsequently attending the
Flag assignments
Over the next few years, Anderson flew his flag as Commander Division 1, Cruiser Squadrons, Atlantic Fleet, and as Commandant,
Continued turmoil in China had occasioned the presence of substantial numbers of foreign warships in Chinese waters including the Asiatic Fleet. Anderson's ships carried out the usual kinds of peacetime operations ever ready to perform protective service for American nationals. During his tour, however the Fleet distinguished itself in quite an unexpected fashion.
Within two weeks' time, the United States Ambassador in Japan,
- I have been informed by the Foreign Office that food emergency has been met. Only problem remaining is question of distribution. This the Japanese with their organizing ability and their ability to recover from shock desire to handle themselves. It will gratify the American people to know that the prompt action of Admiral Anderson has had much to do with this. American Navy's assistance thoroughly appreciated by the men in the street as well as the Japanese government. I wish to emphasize that in this critical emergency the first assistance from the outside world since the catastrophe was brought by our Asiatic Fleet.
Subsequently, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Masanao Hanihara, expressed gratitude for Admiral Anderson's "unflagging zeal and efficiency" that led to the "prompt and gallant assistance" that enabled the situation to be brought "well under control in a short time."
Retirement and death
Relieved by Admiral Thomas Washington on 11 October 1923, Anderson returned to the United States, and was placed on the retired list with the permanent rank of admiral on 23 March 1924.
Anderson died at his home in Masonboro Sound, Wilmington, North Carolina on 23 September 1933.
Awards
- Medal of Honor
- Distinguished Service Medal
- Sampson Medal
- Spanish Campaign Medal
- Mexican Service Medal
- World War I Victory Medal
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy. Born: 16 July 1860, Wilmington N.C. Accredited to: North Carolina. G.O. No.: 177, 4 December 1915. Other Navy award: Distinguished Service Medal.[4]
Citation:
For extraordinary heroism in battle, engagement of Vera Cruz, 22 April 1914, in command of the 2d Seaman Regiment. Marching his regiment across the open space in front of the Naval Academy and other buildings, Capt. Anderson unexpectedly met a heavy fire from riflemen, machineguns and 1-pounders, which caused part of his command to break and fall back, many casualties occurring amongst them at the time. His indifference to the heavy fire, to which he himself was exposed at the head of his regiment, showed him to be fearless and courageous in battle.
Namesake
A Sims-class destroyer in the United States Navy, USS Anderson, was named in his honor, was sunk in 1946, during atomic bomb tests as part of Operation Crossroads.[2]
See also
References
- ^ a b Marquis 1975.
- ^ a b c DANFS 2016.
- ^ "Burial Detail: Anderson, Edwin A. (Section 2, Grave 3798)". ANC Explorer. Arlington National Cemetery. (Official website).
- ^ a b Militarytimes.
- ^ Arlington.
- This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Naval History and Heritage Command.
Bibliography
- "Edwin Alexander Anderson". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Naval History and Heritage Command. 29 September 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2017. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- Who Was Who in American History, the Military. Marquis Who's Who, Inc. 1975. p. 10. ISBN 0837932017.
- "Valor awards for Edwin Alexander Anderson". Retrieved 18 April 2017.
- "Arlington National Cemetery » Medal of Honor Historical Society of the United States". Retrieved 18 April 2017.
External links
- Edwin A. Anderson Collection, 1906–1963, MS 536 held by Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library at the United States Naval Academy