43 Infantry Division, 172th Infantry Regiment (United States Army)
Died:
10/02/1945 (Killed in Action)
Age:
24
Summary
Private John Percy Anderson was born in 1919. He was the son of David Anderson, Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone. After his mother’s death, John emigrated to the United States alone when he was 11 years old and settled with his aunt. He enlisting in the US Army on 22nd May 1943 in Newark, New Jersey. John Percy Anderson was part of the US invasion fleet whose objective was the taking of Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon, Philippines. During the taking of the island John Percy Anderson was killed in action.
Further Information
Private John Percy Anderson was born in 1919. He was the son of David Anderson, Stewartstown, Co. Tyrone.
David Anderson owned the local Paragon Stores in the Square, Stewartstown. Originally from Co. Cavan, he settled in Stewartstown, where he and his wife had 6 children, including John.
After his mother’s death, John emigrated to the United States alone when he was 11 years old and settled with his aunt, Mrs. Nelson, in Middlesex, New Jersey. He finished High School before working as a machine operator prior to enlisting in the US Army on 22nd May 1943 in Newark, New Jersey.
John had seen and service and training in New Guinea and New Zealand. The 172nd Regiment, 43rd Division were part of the US invasion fleet whose objective was the taking of Lingayen Gulf on the island of Luzon, Philippines. John Anderson acted as a radio operator with the forward command before the invasion. At 0930hrs on 9th February 1945 the Infantry’s 2nd Battalion landed at Beach White One amidst fierce Japanese mortar and artillery fire.
During the taking of the island John Percy Anderson was killed in action on 10th February 1945.
He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. The following Citation for his Bronze Star was sent home to his aunt Mrs. Nelson in New Jersey:
“For Heroic achievement in connection with Military Operations against the enemy at Luzon, during the period of 10th – 30th January 1944. Private John Anderson, a radio operator for his battalion Commander, excelled in the performance of his duty during this entire period. No matter what acute situation the forward command group encountered, Private Anderson kept radio communications in operation. He also excelled in his alertness by keeping his battalion Commander informed of all radio messages accurately.”
Private John Anderson is buried at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. Plot A, Row 7, grave 202.
John Percy Anderson is commemorated on Stewartstown Cenotaph and on Stewartstown Church of Ireland Roll Of Honour as P Anderson.
