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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Fernald Philip Anderson (NSN: 82629), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. As Commander of a Patrol Plane on the night of 23 September 1944, Lieutenant Commander Anderson located a 10,500 ton enemy tanker with escort in Kelone Bay, Southern Celebes. In the face of intense, accurate light and medium anti-aircraft fire which hit his plane, he struck the tanker with two 500-pound and one 100-pound bombs at mast-head height, causing it to blow up, blaze furiously, and sink. His actions on this occasion showed outstanding professional skill, courage, determination, aggressiveness, and coolness under fire, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Patrol Squadron

    Action Date:

    September 1 – 12, 1944

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Fernald Philip Anderson (NSN: 82629), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 1 September to 12 September 1944, as Commanding officer of a Catalina Squadron engaged in Blackcat operations in the Netherlands East Indies. Lieutenant Commander Anderson participated in numerous hazardous night patrol in the vicinity of strong enemy bases, fearlessly seeking out the enemy and courageously attacking him. He carried out three daring mast-head attacks, sinking two enemy warships, a small freighter, and heavily damaging a freighter-transport. In addition numerous loaded and armed craft were destroyed by strafing. Symbolizing the return of Allied power to the Japanese bastions in the Philippines, he piloted the first aircraft to penetrate the enemy stronghold of Zamboanga, the Sulu Sea and Northern Borneo. In all these operations he displayed outstanding leadership, initiative, and aggressiveness which served as an inspiration to those under his command. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Commander Anderson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)