Arthur F. Anders, an officer of the U.S. Navy gunboat Panay who took command despite serious wounds after Japanese warplanes attacked it on the Yangtze River in China in 1937, died on Sunday, August 27th, 2000 at his home in Rancho Bernardo, Calif. He was 96.
Lieutenant Arthur F. Anders, United States Navy, was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving as Executive Officer of the U.S.S. PANAY (PR-5) on the occasion of the bombing and loss of that vessel when it was attacked was attacked by Japanese airplanes during patrol in the Yangtze River, China, on 12 December 1937. Although severely wounded, suffering from loss of blood and unable to speak, Commander Anders remained at his duty station, directing the fire of PANAY's machine-gun battery and supervising abandon-ship operations. Displaying selfless concern for the safety of the ship and those on board, he gave his orders and commands in writing, and was a source of inspiration for all who observed him. His great personal valor throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
