The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Edward Lee Anderson (NSN: 0-82109), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against enemy forces on 13 November 1944. Leading a strike group of 22 planes on enemy shipping in the Philippine Islands, he displayed an extraordinary demonstration of airmanship in maneuvering the group into position and pressing home a dive on a Japanese light cruiser. He scored a direct hit with a 1,000 pound bomb amid extremely heavy anti-aircraft fire from both ship and shore batteries which resulted in the later sinking of the vessel. His exemplary leadership in flight coupled with a total disregard for his own safety were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
Board Serial 5588 (May 3, 1968)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Edward Lee Anderson (NSN: 0-82109), United States Navy, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
CommanderAction Date:
November 25, 1944 – January 4, 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 Commander Edward Lee Anderson (NSN: 0-82109), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight from 25 November 1944 to 4 January 1945. Commander 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.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant, Junior GradeBatallion:
Bombing Squadron 6 (VB-6)Division:
U.S.S. Enterprise (CV-6)Action Date:
June 4 – 6, 1942
Commander In Chief Pacific Fleet: Serial 3013 (July 16, 1942)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade Edward Lee Anderson (NSN: 0-82109), United States Navy, 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 SIX (VB-6), attached to the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CV-6), in action against enemy Japanese forces on 4 – 6 June 1942. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson took part in dive-bombing attacks against Japanese naval forces in the Battle of Midway. Defying extreme danger from concentrated anti-aircraft barrage and powerful fighter opposition, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Anderson, with bold determination and courageous zeal, participated in dive-bombing assaults against Japanese naval units. In two instances, flying at a distance from his own forces which rendered return unlikely because of probable fuel exhaustion, he pressed home his attacks with extreme disregard for his own personal safety. His gallant intrepidity and loyal devotion to duty contributed greatly to the success of our forces and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.