Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Third Gold Star in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Roy Lee Anderson (MCSN: 0-25656), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of an HR-2S Helicopter during 9, 10 and 11 November 1956, at Stratford and Windsor Locks, Connecticut. During this three day period Major Anderson, while piloting the same HR-2S helicopter, established three world records, a feat that is unique in aviation history. On 9 November 1956, Major Anderson established a world record for payload to maximum altitude by piloting an HR-2S with a 5,000 kilogram payload to an altitude of 12,212 feet. On 10 November, Major Anderson established a second world record for helicopters by piloting an HR-2S with a payload of 6,000 kilograms to al altitude of 2,000 meters, thus breaking the existing world record held by the U.S.S.R. for greatest payload to altitude of 2,000 meters. On 11 November 1956, Major Anderson established a third world record for helicopters by breaking the world speed record by flying the HR-2S to a record 162.7 miles per hour, which established the fastest helicopter flight in history to be flown by any pilot. This fastest helicopter flight was completed despite adverse and hazardous flight conditions, caused by tricky turbulent cross winds and by failure and loss of the pilots’ window escape panel during the speed run. By his brilliant airmanship, inspiring initiative and resolute determination throughout, Major Anderson demonstrated this country’s significant development of helicopters and airmanship and focused public attention on the Naval and Marine Corps contribution to the advancement of military aviation and national security. His outstanding professional skill, fortitude and unstinting devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    May 28 – June 16, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8523 (September 24, 1947)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Roy Lee Anderson (MCSN: 0-25656), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 28 May to 16 June 1944. First Lieutenant Anderson completed twenty flights in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    Marine Observation Squadron

    Action Date:

    January 18, 1953

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Roy Lee Anderson (MCSN: 0-25656), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flights against the armed enemy in Korea, on 18 January 1953. Major Anderson, while serving as a Pilot of an evacuation type helicopter attached to a Marine Observation Squadron, volunteered to attempt a hazardous night evacuation mission. Disregarding his personal safety, he unhesitatingly flew his aircraft over difficult mountainous terrain without proper instruments and although a previous flight to the same site had crashed as a result of the restricted visibility, he successfully maneuvered his helicopter to the evacuation point. Upon landing, he directed the loading of two critically wounded Marines and again took off into the total darkness. He delivered the casualties to a rear area medical aid station where they received immediate treatment. Major Anderson’s alertness, efficient actions and outstanding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    August 21 – 27, 1944

    Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Pacific: Serial 8523 (September 24, 1947)

    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 First Lieutenant Roy Lee Anderson (MCSN: 0-25656), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in the Marshall Islands Area from 21 to 27 August 1944. First Lieutenant Anderson completed his fortieth flight in a combat area where enemy anti-aircraft fire was expected to be effective or where enemy aircraft patrols usually occurred. His conduct throughout has distinguished him among those performing duties of the same character.