Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Henry Anderson, Jr. (NSN: 0-116656), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism while participating in aerial flights against the enemy in the Formosa and Philippine Islands area, during the period from 7 January 1945 to 18 February 1945. As Executive Officer of a Torpedo Squadron he led numerous bombing and strafing missions against enemy installations. In spite of extremely hazardous weather and intense anti-aircraft fire which he encountered on nearly every strike he skillfully and fearlessly led his group in coordinated and damaging attacks against the enemy airfields, harbor facilities, and surface craft. His able leadership and accurate bombing and strafing resulted in the destruction of many enemy ships and aircraft and extensive damage to others. His courage, ability, and devotion to duty were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    April 7, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant William Henry Anderson, Jr. (NSN: 0-116656), United States Naval Reserve, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the vicinity of Kyushu. As pilot of a carrier-based torpedo plane on 7 April 1945 he led the squadron in a highly successful torpedo attack which severely crippled several of the enemy’s capitol warships and ended the fears of a counterattack on our newly won positions on Okinawa. Flying through very heavy anti-aircraft and heavy gun fire, he launched his attack against the assigned target, one of the enemy’s newest and largest battleships, and although the result of his torpedo’s run was not observed it is highly probable that it was one of the many hits scored. His courageous leadership and professional skill was at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Torpedo Squadron 29 (VT-29)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-29)

    Action Date:

    October 24, 1944
    Commander 2d Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0876 (January 11, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant William Henry Anderson, Jr. (NSN: 0-116656), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Torpedo Plane of Torpedo Squadron TWENTY-NINE (VT-29), attached to the U.S.S. Cabot (CVL-28), in the Philippine Sea on 24 October 1944. Lieutenant Anderson participated in torpedo attacks which severely crippled an enemy Battleship Task Force. The action, in which he was an integral part, successfully accomplished in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft barrages, removed a serious threat to our ground forces. His outstanding courage and determination in the face of great danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.