Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Edward
Wharton
Anderson
September 23, 1903

–

April 12, 1979

Born:

Manhattan

, 

Kansas

Home:

Long Beach

, 

California

Edward Anderson entered military service in 1930. was credited with shooting down TWO enemy airplanes in aerial combat during World War II. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1958 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    October 1, 1954 – October 31, 1958

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major General Edward Wharton Anderson (ASN: 0-17932), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, San Bernardino Air Materiel Area, Norton Air Force Base, California, from 1 October 1954 to 31 October 1958. The singularly outstanding accomplishments of General Anderson in this important capacity culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 28, 1943
    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 150 (September 6, 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 Silver Star to Colonel (Air Corps) Edward Wharton Anderson (ASN: 0-17932), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while Commanding the 4th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in the European Theater of Operations, on 28 July 1943. On that date Colonel Anderson shot down two enemy aircraft in aerial combat. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Anderson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    November 1948 – June 1950
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 39 (May 19, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Edward Wharton Anderson (ASN: 0-17932), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the 3d Air Division at London, England, and subsequently ad Commanding General of the 59th Air Depot Wing, Burtonwood, England, November 1948 to June 1950. General Anderson, in an extremely short time reorganized his Headquarters, re-trained personnel, established supply channels, rehabilitated facilities and established liaison with the English Air Ministry, thereby fulfilling top priority project requirements in providing C-54 maintenance for Operation VITTLES aircraft. His distinguished manner in accomplishing this grave responsibility demonstrated comprehensive knowledge of all activities within the Air Force, reflecting credit upon himself and the United States Air Force in the highest degree.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General [then Colonel]

    Action Date:

    September 12, 1942 – August 20, 1943

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General [then Colonel] Edward Wharton Anderson (ASN: 0-17932), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from 12 September 1942 5to 20 August 1943. Brigadier General Anderson’s group was responsible for the innovation and introduction of many important changes in equipment and tactics, which have become the standard and model for all United Sates fighter stations throughout the United Kingdom. This group originally operated with English fighter aircraft, but in March 1943, changed to American type aircraft. This group was the first to fly this aircraft operationally, and the change-over necessitated a thorough training of pilots, the use of belly and wing tanks and the adoption of new bomber escort tactics and techniques. So keen was Brigadier General Anderson’s understanding and so forceful his leadership, that the exemplary record and high combat and escort efficiency maintained, was little short of miraculous. Brigadier General Anderson’s extensive background and knowledge of fighter aircraft, intelligent appraisal of problems and requirements of aerial combat and his fine organizational and leadership abilities, reflect great credit on himself and the armed forces of the United States.