Rolling Ground in Crawford County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Beauford T. Anderson

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 6, 2010

1. Beauford T. Anderson Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Technical Sergeant, U.S. Army, 381st Infantry, 96th Infantry Division, was born at Eagle, WI. on July 6th, 1922. He entered the service at Soldiers Grove, WI. in October, 1942. While serving his country in Okinawa, Japan, Beauford T. Anderson displayed conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. When a powerfully conducted predawn Japanese counterattack struck his units flank, he ordered his men to take cover in an old tomb, and then, armed only with a carbine, faced the onslaught alone. After emptying one magazine at pointblank range into the screaming attackers, he seized an enemy mortar dud and threw it back among the charging Japs, killing several as it burst. Securing a box of mortar shells, he extracted the safety pins, banged the bases upon a rock to arm them and proceeded alternately to hurl the shells and fire his piece among the fanatical foe, finally forcing them to withdraw. Despite the protests of his comrades, and bleeding profusely from a severe shrapnel wound, he made his way to his company commander to report the action. T/Sgt. Andersons intrepid conduct in the face

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of overwhelming odds accounted for 25 enemy killed and several machineguns and knee mortars destroyed, thus single-handedly removing a serious threat to the company's flank. Beauford T. Anderson received the Medal of Honor from President Truman in Washington on Memorial Day 1946 and lived in Rolling Ground directly behind this marker at the time of his induction.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, and the Medal of Honor Recipients series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1952.

Location. 43° 19.678′ N, 90° 44.493′ W. Marker is in Rolling Ground, Wisconsin, in Crawford County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of U.S. 61 and State Highway 171, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at a highway wayside. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16523 US Highway 61, Soldiers Grove WI 54655, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. James Davidson (approx. 4.1 miles away); Soldiers Grove Origin (approx. 5 miles away); Gays Mills Apple Orchards (approx. 5.1 miles away); Gays Mills Sesquicentennial (approx. 5½ miles away); Cliff Swallows (approx.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 6, 2010

2. Beauford T. Anderson Marker

5½ miles away); Trade Links – River Borne (approx. 12.4 miles away); Boscobel - A River Town (approx. 12.4 miles away); The River (approx. 12.4 miles away).

Regarding Beauford T. Anderson.
Died: Salinas, California; November 7, 1996
Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia; Section 44, Lot 292

Also see . . . Beauford T. Anderson. Wikipedia entry. "After returning from the war, Anderson lived in Beloit, Wisconsin, and later spent time in Mackinac Island, Michigan. Ultimately, he relocated to Monterey County, California, where he served as mayor and city councilman of Seaside and as a Monterey County Supervisor. He lived on a cattle ranch near Hunter Liggett and spent the last years of his life in Salinas." (Submitted on July 7, 2010.)

Additional commentary.
1. Memories of Andy
Mr Anderson was always known to me as Andy. He was a great influence on me when I met him in 1972 while serving at Hunter Liggett as a Military policeman. He never talked once about his war service but he had so many wonderful stories that I never asked. I helped him on his ranch on my days off and had the honor of getting to know his wife Phyllis

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 6, 2010

3. Beauford T. Anderson Marker

and her cooking. I spent the night a few times since the ranch was right on the edge of the army base. They made me so welcome and we drank lots of beer late into the night. I only met his son Jim once I think. He was a Monterey County Deputy. I hope he is well. Andy was known everywhere he went and was a true celebrity and very well liked. I am 67 years old and still repeat stories he told me. Lots of wisdom from this great man that I never forgot!Gods speed Andy ...you are not forgotten!!

— Submitted October 19, 2017, by Kevin J Long of Jacksonville, Florida.

Back of Beauford T. Anderson Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By K. Linzmeier, June 6, 2010

4. Back of Beauford T. Anderson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 15, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,257 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 7, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.