Joseph B. Anderson facts for kids

Joseph Benjamin Anderson Jr. was born on February 12, 1943. He is a successful American businessman. He is the chairman and CEO of a company called TAG Holdings, LLC.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Anderson Jr. was born in Topeka, Kansas. This was in 1943. He went to a famous school called the United States Military Academy. People often call this school West Point. He graduated in 1965. He earned a degree in math and engineering.

Later, Anderson continued his studies. He went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, he earned two master's degrees. One was in comparative government. The other was in African studies. He also studied at a special Army college.

Military Service and Awards

After graduating from West Point, Joseph Anderson joined the U.S. Army. He served during the Vietnam War. He went to Vietnam twice. He was part of the 1st Cavalry Division.

During his time in Vietnam, he showed great bravery. He received many important awards. These included two Silver Star Medals. He also earned five Bronze Star Medals. And he received eleven Air Medals. These medals are given for courage and service.

Besides fighting in Vietnam, Anderson was also an instructor. He taught at West Point. He also served with the 82nd Airborne Division. This is a famous Army unit. He left the Army in 1978. He had served for 13 years. His rank was major.

The Anderson Platoon Documentary

In 1966, a French film crew joined Joseph Anderson's platoon. This was during the Vietnam War. They filmed what happened with his soldiers. This footage became a famous documentary. It was called The Anderson Platoon. Pierre Schoendoerffer directed the film.

The documentary was shown in many countries. It won several awards. It even won an Oscar. This was for Best Documentary Feature Film. It also won an International Emmy Award. The original film came out in 1967. A new version was released in 1987.

A follow-up film was made in 1989. It was called Reminiscences. This movie showed what happened to the soldiers. It checked in with them 20 years later.

Business Career

After leaving the Army, Joseph Anderson started a business career. He first worked for General Motors. He stayed there for 13 years. Then, he became the president and CEO of another company. This company was called Composite Energy Management Systems, Incorporated (CEMSI).

In 1994, he bought a company called Chivas Products Limited. It later became Chivas Industries, LLC. He led this company until 2002. Then, he sold his share in the business.

Today, Joseph Anderson is the chairman and CEO of TAG Holdings, LLC. This company is very successful. In 2008, TAG Holdings and its companies made $743 million.