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The Few, The Proud, Our Marines!

Current Events

2015 Memorial Ride - Click here for information on the Cpl Anderson Memorial Ride!
Military Channel - Warrior POV - Our hero, the day he was KIA, December 14, 2004
May 10, 2014 - 10th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Memorial Ride. Begins at Modesto Harley Davidson at 8:30am. “Kick Stands Up” departure time of 10am
May 9, 2014 - 3rd Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. / True American Heroes Benefit Dinner at "King" Kenny Roberts Moto-Ranch. This years guests include, Kenny Roberts, Sr., Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts, Jr., Mert Lawill, Bo Derek, John Corbett and “Rafter Man” Kevin Major Howard.
May 8, 2014 - John Corbett Concert to benefit Welcome Home Heroes See John Corbett and the John Corbett band at the Fat Cat in Modesto on Thursday, May 8. 100% of the proceeds go to helping America’s Veterans and their families.
May 10, 2013 - 2nd Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. / True American Heroes Benefit Dinner at "King" Kenny Roberts Moto-Ranch. With Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts Junior, Kurtis Roberts and Mert Lawwill.
May 11, 2013 - 9th Annual Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. Memorial Ride, with featuring MotoGP Champion “King” Kenny Roberts; joined by Eddie Lawson, Wayne Rainey, Kenny Roberts Junior, Kurtis Roberts, and Mert Lawwill. Dowload and print flyer.

Following arrival in Jametown, CA, "King" Kenny Roberts will be hosting the "Wounded Warriors Museum Ride". A tour through the Sierra’s, ending with a reception at Kenny’s Moto-Ranch.
2013 - DEA Maltz Challenge Honoree - Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr.
May 26, 2011 - Mission Complete - "Back To Ground Zero" - Follow SSgt Brian Stutzman's solo ride to Ground Zero and Arlington National Cemetary. Printable flyer in PDF format.
January 14, 2011 - Denham Staff Member Receives “Distinguished American Patriot Award
Resolution Gear 3/5 T Shirt Update. Get Some!
August 31, 2010 - Mike Sr. Interview with Fox 40 - Father Of Fallen Marine Reacts To Iraq Withdrawal.
May 18, 2010 - New law protects families of fallen service members. CA AB 585 is signed into law by Governor Schwarzeneggar.
March 1, 2010 - They Fought For You! Will You Fight For them?
January 25, 2010 - Command General Odierno letter to CMC Conway thanking our Marines for Service, Stability, and Sacrifice in the transformation of Iraq.
November 14, 2009 - Poem dedicated to our hero by Cpl. V in his new War's Paint Blog.
May 16, 2009 - Photo Gallery and trailer of the Premier showing of Perfect Valor at the GI Film Festival in Washington, D.C. Mike Sr. is the personal guest of USMC Major A.J. Mc Nulty.
March 11, 2009 - AJ's Squad Buddies sending a Tribute from their second tour inside the Sandbox.
October 8, 2008 - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Applauds Creation of the Gold Star Family License Plate.
Young American Patriot Award Honoring Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. 2007 award was presented to Ryan Rust.
AJ Remembered in "Stellar Stud Marine". Winner of "Best Documentary" in the WVC Film Festival. This is a Nicholas Molle, Digital Clubhouse Network production.
Jr.'s letter from Fallujah, Published in Newsweek Magazine. This letter from Fallujah was sent home in October of 2004. 'Then I heard the voice fo the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me".' Isaiah 6:8 -Oorah, Mike Sr.
A Tribute to Cpl. Jonathon Benson, who gave his life for our Country and our Freedom. Rest In Peace Marine, We will never Forget!
Extended Current Events Menu.
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"Stellar Stud Marine", Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr., gave his life for our freedom and his memory will live in our hearts forever.
New Dawn: The Battles for Fallujah - Richard S. Lowry's detailed account of how we won in Iraq.
Michael Sr. and Angela Anderson with Devil Dog Diary author Gysgt. William Price in Washington D. C.
Support Victory! America doesn't surrender to terrorists. Let's Move America Forward.
"So The Story Goes", Recorded live at the Board Authority skate shop in Tracy, California by Switchblades & Sombreros. This original song was written by Darren Scott and dedicated to our hero.
May 3, 2006, San Francisco, California 'American Spirit Award' Ceremony Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Marine General Peter Pace honors the Andersons.
A True American Hero and I Thank God For The Warrior - Tributes to Our Hero by Vito Celantano.
Gemma, our Marine Girl at the Playboy Mansion. Body Art tribute by Nicolle Landre.
In the words of Michael Anderson Sr.: "Singer, songwriter Derek Clark, from Northern California, is rapidly becoming known as a rising star and a true patriot! A very honorable man..." Please take time to visit GoodNightSoldier.com and judge for yourself.

This Tribute Website is owned, operated and sponsored by Mike and Angela Anderson, the proud parents of Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. All copyrights are preserved and protected under national and international 'Intellectual Property' law. Commercial and personal use of any and all content is strictly prohibited without express written permission.

Freedom Is Not Free

This is the firsthand account of events regarding the tragic death of USMC Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. on December 14, 2004, 14:45 local Iraq time, as seen through the eyes of Capt. Andrew McNulty and Cpl. Terrance Van Doorn (Cpl. V.).

Cpl. Anderson had just been assigned an entire New Squad due to a shortage of Marines in Fallujah. Cpl. Van Doorn’s squad was working side by side with Cpl. Anderson’s squad conducting "House to House Search and Clearing Operations" for enemy combatants. They were going in through the rooftops for the element of surprise and safety.

Mike Jr. went in first, down a flight of stairs to a locked door with his Marines in tow. Mike kicked in the door, was immediately hit by small arms fire from an "RPK" Machine Gun and went down.

It is believed that he was able to get a few effective rounds off even if by unconscious instinct and/or "muscle memory", as his weapon would have been in ‘Fire’ mode as opposed to being in the ‘Safe’ mode. His Marines opened fire to suppress the enemy.

After hearing gunfire, Cpl V. and his squad ran to this house, met a Marine outside yelling "Our Corporal is down". Cpl. V. instantly directed his Marines to secure the perimeter as "Nobody’s leaving." He then took the rest of his Marines inside to engage the insurgents and offer aid.

Capt McNulty soon joined in with his Marines, as they were close by. Capt. McNulty ordered cover fire as he crawled in to recover Mike Jr. They moved Mike Jr. into a bathroom shower stall as that must have been the cleanest, safest and most secure spot in this house. Mike was soon joined by another injured Marine.

Bullets were flying in every direction as this huge firefight ensued. A fire started in this room due to the tremendous amount of automatic weapons fire, and incendiary "burner" grenades. Cpl. V. then went to the shower to get Mike out of the now burning house, running backwards carrying Mike around his chest under his armpits. He tripped and fell with Mike Jr. landing on top of him. He was successful in removing Mike from the hostilities inside, and away from the intense firefight while securing a Med e-vac to remove Mike from the area.

He then went back into the burning room, directing cover fire, with bullets still flying, to succesfully retrieve Mike’s gear. At that point in time, the enemy was still very much active in this room, while themselves on fire. It is not possible for a human being to still be standing, with dozens of rounds from our military’s assault weapons lodged in their bodies, while burning alive and still firing their weapons.

These enemy fighters were clearly on Heroin (which is easily obtainable and the drug of choice), Opium, PCP, or some other form of supernatural pain defying drug.

Mike Jr. was "Pronounced Deceased at 16:30/041214 by Cdr. Treffinger, the attending physician, Confirmed".

These three young men are obviously "True American Heros" with their actions that are clearly above and beyond the call of any duty. Capt. McNulty and Cpl. Van Doorn are extraordinarily brave and courageous U.S. Marines. The unbelievable actions of these two 3/5 Kilo Squads is a measure of utter and complete heroism. Cpl. Michael D. Anderson, Jr. made the ultimate sacrifice for God, The United States, The Marine Corps, and each and every citizen in the Known Free World.

Respectfully,

Michael D. Anderson Sr.

December 17, 2004

P.S. Cpl. V. had to finish the mission for two more hours with the blood of my son on his fatigues, knowing that he had just lost his best friend. It is truly believed by many that Capt. McNulty and Cpl. Van Doorn deserves the top military honor possible, the Silver Star.

Updated December 19, 2004