World War II Honoree

Perry W. Anderson, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

DeRidder, Louisiana

Honored By

Mrs. Marie C. Anderson

Relationship

Wife

SERVED ABOARD THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS GAMBIER BAY CVE-73 WHICH SANK DURING THE BATTLE OF LEYTE GULF, OFF SAMAR, PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 25, 1944. HE AND SEVERAL HUNDRED OTHER GALLANT SHIPMATES SURVIVED FOR THREE DAYS ON LIFE RAFTS BEFORE BEING RESCUED. RECEIVED THE PURPLE HEART FOR INJURIES SUFFERED DURING THE ATTACK. AFTER THE WAR HE RETURNED HOME TO EARN A MASTER'S DEGREE AND LIVE OUT A PEACEFUL LIFE AS A SCHOOL TEACHER AND BUSINESSMAN. HE PASSED AWAY FEBRUARY 22, 1998.