A total of 5 Medals of Honor and 56 Distinguished Service Crosses, among numerous other awards, were awarded for the August 1, 1943 low-level bombing mission of the Ploesti Oil Refineries, ranking it as perhaps the single-most decorated combat air mission of World War II. He was killed in action six months later during a mission over France.
Sponsored by:
William
N.
Anderson
KIA (WWII)
April 29, 1918
–
January 21, 1944
Cemetery:
Oak Hill Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Service Cross
-
Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Major (Air Corps)Batallion:
506th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
44th Bombardment Group (H)Division:
9th Air Force (Attached)Action Date:
August 1, 1943
Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (1943)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) William N. Anderson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 506th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Anderson flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Anderson on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.