Medal of Honor: Johannes S. Anderson, World War I, October 8, 1918

Name: Johannes S. Anderson
Rank: First Sergeant
War: World War I
Date of Action: October 8, 1918
Unit: Company B, 132nd Infantry Regiment, 33rd Division
Entered Service At: Chicago, Illinois
Born: Finland

Summary of Action
During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, First Sergeant Johannes Anderson’s company was pinned down by fierce German machine gun and artillery fire near Consenvoye, France. The enemy’s position dominated the ground, halting the American advance and inflicting mounting casualties. Without orders and with complete disregard for his own safety, Anderson set out alone, crawling across an open field raked by enemy bullets. Moving unseen, he worked his way behind the most stubborn enemy nest, approached from the rear, and launched a sudden assault. In a burst of bold, precise action, he silenced the gun, captured its crew, and returned with twenty-three prisoners. His daring single-handed attack broke the stalemate and reignited the forward momentum of his company, proving how one man’s initiative and courage can change the course of battle.

Medal of Honor Citation
ANDERSON, JOHANNES S.
Rank and organization: First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company B, 132d Infantry, 33d Division. Place and date: At Consenvoye, France, 8 October 1918. Entered service at: Chicago, Ill. Birth: Finland. G.O. No.: 16, W.D., 1919. Citation: While his company was being held up by intense artillery and machinegun fire, 1st Sgt. Anderson, without aid, voluntarily left the company and worked his way to the rear of the nest that was offering the most stubborn resistance. His advance was made through an open area and under constant hostile fire, but the mission was successfully accomplished, and he not only silenced the gun and captured it, but also brought back with him 23 prisoners.