James Oberstar: “H.R. 4140 designates the Port Angeles Federal Building located at 138 West First Street, Port Angeles, Washington, as…”

“H.R. 4140 designates the Port Angeles Federal Building located at 138 West First Street, Port Angeles, Washington, as the ``Richard B. Anderson Federal Building.'' Private First Class, PFC, Richard B. Anderson was born on June 26, 1921, in Tacoma, Washington. Anderson grew up in Port Angeles, Washington, and attended Sequim High School. On July 6, 1942, Anderson joined the United States Marine Corps. He received his basic and infantry training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, and was promoted to the rank of Private First Class on April 12, 1943. Following his promotion, PFC Anderson was assigned to the East Company, 2nd Battalion, of the 23rd Marines. PFC Anderson's unit was deployed to the Marshall Islands in January 1944. On February 1, 1944, his company was part of an invasion force fighting to take control of Rio Island from the Japanese. During the assault, Anderson and three other Marines jumped into a shell crater to escape enemy fire. As Anderson prepared to throw a grenade from inside the crater, the grenade slipped from his hands and began to roll toward the other three marines in the crater. In an act of selfless heroism, Anderson lunged on top of the live grenade and absorbed the full impact of the blast, saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. Anderson died from his wounds shortly thereafter.”