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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant William Wickliff Anderson (NSN: 0-101459), United States Naval Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as Section Leader and Pilot of a Dive Bomber in Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6) (CV-9), while participating in an aerial flight in operations against the enemy shipping off the coast of French Indo-China on 12 January 1945. As leader of a section of carrier-based dive bombers, Lieutenant Anderson proceeded to attack an enemy cruiser protecting a convoy of cargo vessels. In the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and in spite of poor visibility which made necessary the release of his bombs at low altitude, he pressed home his attack with complete disregard for his own personal safety. His courage, skill, and determination were inspiring and at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 25, 1944
    Commander 1st Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 035 (January 20, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William Wickliff Anderson (NSN: 0-101459), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber and Section Leader in Bombing Squadron TWENTY (VB-20), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), during action against units of the Japanese Fleet in waters west of the Central Philippine Islands during the Battle for Leyte Gulf on 25 October 1944. Flying as wingman on a search and attack mission when an enemy task force was sighted and his division was assigned an aircraft carrier as a target, Lieutenant Anderson defied the withering barrages of anti-aircraft fire to dive low over the hostile warship and release his bombs at perilously low altitude to score direct hits which started fires and contributed materially to the infliction of extensive damage on the Japanese vessel. His superb airmanship, inspiring courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Anderson and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Bombing Squadron 20 (VB-20)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)

    Action Date:

    October 15 – November 14, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Wickliff Anderson (NSN: 0-101459), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 15 October to 14 November 1944. Lieutenant Anderson participated in twenty flights in an active combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective and enemy aircraft patrols usually occur. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.