Harold Anderson WWII

I have so many stories to share that I wasn’t sure where to start and finally figured that if I was working on WWII, I might as well add in other family members I also have World War II information on.

Harold Reuben Anderson is my Great Uncle and is the brother of my Grandfather Robert Anderson.

Why am I telling Harold’s story? Harold was killed in action during WWII and needs people to tell his story. Harold and Robert’s brother Wayne was also a WWII veteran so all three brothers served the United States during the war.

What information do we know about Harold in WWII?

• He enlisted in the Navy on Apr 18, 1938 as a minor. Harold was just over 17 years old when he enlisted and with “minority” listed in his enlistment his father Reuben had to sign a consent form. This also included a form stating that Reuben would not request Harold’s discharge at any time during his enlistment.
• Harold was 5′ 3″ and weighed in at 120 pounds
• He attended training at US Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL
• In his service record Harold has a mention of “Punishment: Twenty Hours Extra Duty”, so he must have had a lot of fun. He was also detailed as “messman” at least once. He was NOT recommended for the Good Conduct Medal in Jan 1942
• Harold also has in his service record notes of a debt due to Kay Jewelry Company in Long Beach, CA in the amount of $52.23. Who this was for or what it was may forever be a mystery!
• Aboard the USS New Orleans on Dec 31, 1941 Harold extended his enlistment for another two years and additionally, for 6 months after the end of the war if so required by the Secretary of the Navy
• He participated in the following: Defense of Pearl Harbor (USS New Orleans at Pearl Harbor), Battle of the Coral Sea, Battle of Midway Island (Guadalcanal)
• He was declared Missing In Action Nov 30, 1942 serving on the USS New Orleans following the Fifth Battle of Savo Island (as stated in his papers) or I believe it is now known as the Battle of Tassafaronga (second link with more info) as the dates and ships line up.
• Harold was a Coxswain with the Navy and from his records it looks like he was officially qualified for Gun Captain Second Class.
• One of Harold’s nieces remembers that Reuben received the telegram at work that Harold was missing in action. Reuben finished the day at work and then took the telegram home.
• American Legion Gold Star Certification
• Service Record (I think it’s safe to share this one – Harold has been gone for a while)