Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    Marine Fighter Squadron 114 (VMF-114)

    Action Date:

    September 26, 1944 – February 9, 1945

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Second Lieutenant John R. Anderson (MCSN: 0-30820), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial attacks against the enemy as a Corsair Pilot attached to Marine Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN (VMF-114), operating in the Palau Islands during the period from 26 September 1944 to 9 February 1945. Second Lieutenant Anderson took part in varied fighter-bomber missions against strongly defended Japanese positions. These included troop dispositions in close support operations in the Peleliu Island campaign, the surface craft and military installations in the Northern Palaus and Yap Island. On 1 February 1945, while engaged in a harassing raid over Babelthuap Island he was shot down by enemy automatic fire and rescued in a rough sea after bailing out. On many such missions, totaling 65 combat flying hours (47 strikes), despite heavy concentrations of anti-aircraft fire, Second Lieutenant Anderson conducted his attacks with courage and determination. His accurate bombing and strafing tactics resulted in damaging blows to enemy installations. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.