Anderson, Richard Pershing, LTJG

At 1725 on 6 April 1945, a second kamikaze crashed into the port side of USS Bush's main deck between the stacks, starting a large fire and nearly severing the ship. At 1745, a third crashed onto the port side just above the main deck. Some of the ship's ammunition caught fire and began to explode. Although it was believed that she would break amidships, it was thought that both halves would be salvageable. However, an unusually heavy swell rocked the ship, and Bush began to cave in amidships. Other swells followed, and the ship was abandoned by her 227 survivors just before she folded and sank. 87 of her crew were lost.

LTJG Anderson was among the men lost. His body was not recovered and he was later declared dead.

USS Bush (DD-529) was operating as radar picket ship off Okinawa 6 April 1945 and had splashed at least one plane when she was hit and subsequently sunk by three Japanese kamikazes. At 1515, the first plane hit at the deck level on the starboard side between number one and two stacks causing its bomb or torpedo to explode in the forward engine room. Although much damage was sustained the ship was not believed to be in severe danger and tugs were requested. Colhoun was closing in to assist when she was hit by a suicide plane and was so severely damaged that she had to be sunk by United States forces.

Service number: 164127

LTJG Anderson was trained at the Merchant Marine Academy and served for a short time in that service. The years included 1942 and 1943. He left the Merchant Marine service when he was given a commision in the US Navy Reserves.