Legislation to honor Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr. passed the United States House of Representatives on Monday, June 3.

The bill, H.R. 1555, introduced by Rep. Tom McClintock (CA-05), would designate the facility of the United States Postal Service at 2300 Sylvan Ave., in Modesto, as the “Corporal Michael D. Anderson Jr. Post Office Building.”

His father is Mike Anderson Sr., who worked as District Director for former area Congressman Jeff Denham and is a longtime supporter of the Escalon Fire Department, recently in attendance at the department’s annual Appreciation Dinner.

Corporal Anderson was a native of Modesto. After the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, he answered the call to service by enlisting in the Marine Corps. He became a member of the Fleet Antiterrorism Security Teams, or FAST Company. On Dec. 14, 2004, Corporal Anderson was tragically killed in action while clearing a stronghold in Fallujah, Iraq.

While speaking on the House floor in support of the legislation, Rep. McClintock – whose district includes Modesto – stated that this bill will “honor and remember those among us who gave up everything.”

The bill was unanimously supported by the Modesto City Council, the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors, the California Congressional Delegation, and the House Committee on Oversight.

“I am proud to present H.R. 1555 for consideration. This measure names the post office in Modesto, California in honor and memory of Corporal Michael D. Anderson, Jr.,” McClintock said. “Eleven days before Christmas, on December 14, 2004, Corporal Anderson was leading Marines and Iraqi soldiers in urban clearing operations of the insurgent occupied buildings in the city of Fallujah. He was the first into a stronghold, when he was tragically killed in action. He was 21 years old. Corporal Anderson had been scheduled to leave Iraq just a few months later and return to his family where they had already planned a joyous family reunion and vacation.”

McClintock went on to note that Anderson “showed tremendous bravery and incredible courage throughout his service and especially that day – his last day – in Fallujah. It is reflected in his military decorations: including two Purple Hearts, the Marine Corps Achievement Medal with the “V” attachment for Valor, as well as the Combat Action Ribbon.”

The bill next goes to the Senate for approval.