Biography
Cpl Andersen graduated from Littleton High School in 1943. He enlisted 22 Oct 1943 where he went to Camp Pendleton, CA. His 1st assignment against the enemy was in Peleliu, Palau Islands from 15 Sep - 18 Sep 1944 where he was injured and spent 21 days in the hospital. Clarence Norman Andersen was known as Norman.
Circumstances
The 1St Marine Div Secured The Assigned Area In The North Okinawa By A Series Of Lightening Advances Against Stiffening Resistance. After Many Days Of Fighting, Norman As A Platoon Guide, Serving With Co C, 1St Bat, 1St Marine Div, During Action Against The Enemy Was Assigned Command Of His Platoon When The Leader And Shad Become Casualties. He Immediately Reorganized His Unit And Continued The Attack In The Face Heavy Machine Gun Fire. When Enemy Fire Made Further Advance Impossible, He Ordered His Men To Remain In Their Covered Positions And Rushed Forward Of The Lines To Hostile Machine Gun Emplacement. Silencing Enemy Weapon With Hand Grenades, He Re-Crossed The Open Field Under Intense Small Arms Fire And Destroyed A Second Automatic Weapon Before He Fell, Mortally Wounded.