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Edward Wharton Anderson

Military

  • First Lady Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt with Colonel Edward Wharton Anderson (centre) - first Commanding Officer of the 4th Fighter Group, meet its pilots on 4 November 1942 at Debden.

    First Lady Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt with Colonel Edward Wharton Anderson (centre) - first Commanding Officer of the 4th Fighter Group, meet its pilots on 4 November 1942 at Debden.

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  • Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

    Soldiers of the 4th Fighter Group march across the parade ground at Debden, Essex in front of the guest of honour, Princess Marina, the Duchess of Kent, and other dignatories. Passed by the U.S. Army on 25 June 1943. Printed caption attached to print: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. KEYSTONE PHOTO SHOWS:- Soldiers in review marching while the guest of honour, (the Duchess of Kent) looks on. SG/US-POOL/B. [K]eystone. 81-82-62'.

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  • Maj Gen William E Kepner and members of his command. Rear L to R: Col Hubert Zemke, Lt Col Donald J M Blakeslee, Col Frank B James, Lt Col Einar A Malmstrom, Col Joe Lennard Mason, Lt Col Thomas Jonathan Jackson Christian Jr. Middle L to R: lt Col Edwin Shepard Chickering, Col James J Stone Jr, Lt Col Glenn E Duncan, Col William James Cummings Jr, Col Avelin Paul Tacon Jr, Col Barton M Russell. Seated L to R: Col Edward W Anderson, Col Murray Clark Woodbury, Maj Gen William E Kepner, Col Jesse Auton, Col Francis H Griswold. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A47576-55088AC.

    Maj Gen William E Kepner and members of his command. Rear L to R: Col Hubert Zemke, Lt Col Donald J M Blakeslee, Col Frank B James, Lt Col Einar A Malmstrom, Col Joe Lennard Mason, Lt Col Thomas Jonathan Jackson Christian Jr. Middle L to R: lt Col Edwin Shepard Chickering, Col James J Stone Jr, Lt Col Glenn E Duncan, Col William James Cummings Jr, Col Avelin Paul Tacon Jr, Col Barton M Russell. Seated L to R: Col Edward W Anderson, Col Murray Clark Woodbury, Maj Gen William E Kepner, Col Jesse Auton, Col Francis H Griswold. NARA Ref 342-FH-3A47576-55088AC.

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  • The Duchess of Kent and General Frank Hunter at a plaque presentation ceremony for the 4th Fighter Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943.' [stamp] and '271390.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. HRH The Duchess of Kent visited a US Army Air Force Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron Insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the RAF prior to the entry of the USA into the war. Keystone Photo shows: The Duchess of Kent and Gen Frank Hunter of Savanna, Georgia, chatting together.'

    The Duchess of Kent and General Frank Hunter at a plaque presentation ceremony for the 4th Fighter Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943.' [stamp] and '271390.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'DUCHESS OF KENT PRESENTS PLAQUES TO FORMER EAGLE SQUADRON PILOTS. HRH The Duchess of Kent visited a US Army Air Force Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron Insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the RAF prior to the entry of the USA into the war. Keystone Photo shows: The Duchess of Kent and Gen Frank Hunter of Savanna, Georgia, chatting together.'

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  • The Duchess of Kent, Colonel Edward Anderson and General Frank D Hunter inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this field; The Duchess of Kent; Gen. Frankel D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent, Colonel Edward Anderson and General Frank D Hunter inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt of the 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this field; The Duchess of Kent; Gen. Frankel D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

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  • The Duchess of Kent inspects personnel of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting American troops. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent inspects personnel of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting American troops. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

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  • The Duchess of Kent inspects personnel of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting American troops. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent inspects personnel of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of the Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting American troops. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 15
  • The Duchess of Kent during a royal visit to the 4th Fighter Group at Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent during a royal visit to the 4th Fighter Group at Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Commanding Officer of this Field; The Duchess of Kent; back is Gen D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, looking over at Fighter Plane (59). SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (41&42).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 15
  • The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Edward Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Comanding Officer of the field; the Duchess of Kent, and General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (21-.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent, General D. Hunter and Colonel Edward Anderson of the 4th Fighter Group inspect a P-47 Thunderbolt during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed as censored 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: Left to Right: Col. Edward Anderson, of Tampa, Fla., Comanding Officer of the field; the Duchess of Kent, and General D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia, inspecting a plane. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (21-.' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    Show caption About this image
    1-5 of 15
  • The Duchess of Kent inspects a P-47 Thunderbolt of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: The Duchess of Kent looking at a motor of a fighter and Col. E. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla, Commmanding Officer of the Field, is next to her. With back of head to camera is Gen. D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (46).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

    The Duchess of Kent inspects a P-47 Thunderbolt of 4th Fighter Group during a royal visit to Debden, June 1943. Passed for publication 25 Jun 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'Duchess Of Kent Presents Plaques To Former Eagle Squadron Pilots. H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent visited a U.S. Army Air Station and presented plaques bearing the Eagle Squadron insignia to men who served in the Eagle Squadrons of the R.A.F. prior to the entry of the U.S.A. into the war. Keystone Photo Shows: The Duchess of Kent looking at a motor of a fighter and Col. E. Anderson, of Tampa, Fla, Commmanding Officer of the Field, is next to her. With back of head to camera is Gen. D. Hunter, of Savanna, Georgia. SG/US-Pool/B. Keystone (46).' On reverse: Keystone Press, US Army Press Censor ETO and US Army General Section Press & Censorship Bureau [Stamps].

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Assigned to HQ Sqn, 4FG, 8AF USAAF. Commanding Officer, from 27 September 1942 to 20 August 1943.

Transferred to HQ Sqn, 65FW, 8AF USAAF. End Tour of Duty (ETD).

In July 1943 he returned to the United States and became chief of staff of the 1st Fighter Command at Mitchell Air Force Base, N.Y., and later as chief of staff of the 1st Air Force.

Awards: Legion Of Merit, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, French Legion of Honor, AM (2 OLC), Silver Star, Bronze Star, WWII Victory, EAME (6 stars), American Defense, American Campaign.

Post War: Remained in the USAF rising to Major General before his retirement in October 1958.

Service

Units served with

Associated Place

  • Debden

    Military site : airfield
    RAF Debden, construction of which began in 1935, is perhaps most famous as a Battle of Britain fighter airfield, partly responsible for the defence of London in 1940. In 1942 it was also home to three RAF 'Eagle Squadrons’ of volunteer American pilots...

  • Saffron Walden

    Military site : non-airfield
    Headquarters 65th Fighter Wing. Exact location unknown.

Events

Event Location Date
Born Manhattan, KA 23 September 1903

Son of John Byers and Josephine [Ferguson] Anderson.
Enlisted October 1928

Enlisted USAAC as flying cadet.
Baled Out Imperial, PA, USA 7 January 1934

Baled Out due to Stall or Spin Near Imperial, PA Cat 5 damage, pilot Lt Edward W Anderson, 7-Jan-34.

O-25A 30-175 ACTS
Lived in St. Petersburg, FL, USA 1940
Assigned Debden, Saffron Walden CB11, UK 12 September 1942 – 22 August 1943

Assigned to HQ Sqn, 4FG, 8AF USAAF, Commanding Officer.
Promoted Saffron Walden, UK 22 August 1943

Promoted to Brigadier General.
Transferred Saffron Walden, UK 22 August 1943 – 2 September 1943

Transferred to HQ Sqn, 65FW, 8AF USAAF.
End Tour of Duty (ETD) England, UK 2 September 1943

Ended Tour of Duty (ETD).
Retired United States 1 October 1958

Retired 1st October 1958.
Died 12 April 1979
Nationality
American
Nickname
Not yet known
Service numbers
O-17932
Highest rank
Brigadier General
Role/job
Commanding General
Awards
  • Air Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
  • American Campaign Medal
  • American Defense Medal
  • Bronze Star
  • Legion d'Honneur
  • Legion of Merit
  • Silver Star
  • World War II Victory Medal
  • Croix de Guerre (French)
  • European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 1 silver star and 1 bronze star

Revisions

Date Contributor Update
30 November 2018 14:17:53 general ira snapsorter Changes to biography
Sources

AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II - https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf
"The Mighty Eighth", Roger Freeman.
Date Contributor Update
07 September 2016 15:14:11 general ira snapsorter Changes to biography
Sources

Merged with duplicate entry to include details from:
- Personal research & 'The Debden Warbirds' by Frank Speer. (User: apollo11);
- the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia
Date Contributor Update
15 July 2016 13:27:42 Al_Skiff Changes to events, unit associations and place associations
Sources

http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/107837/m...
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Anderson&GSfn=Edwa...
http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbapi.asp?Pilot=Anderson%2C+Edwar...
Date Contributor Update
15 July 2016 13:09:38 Al_Skiff Changes to middlename, highest rank, biography, awards, events, unit associations and media associations
Sources

Merged with data from duplicate entry - https://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/54852
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/Biographies/Display/tabid/225/Article/107837/m...
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Anderson&GSfn=Edwa...
Date Contributor Update
27 September 2014 18:08:38 AAM AAM ingest
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Ted Damick, VIII Fighter Command pilots list / Who's Who in the Eighth Air Force and Biographical Directory Command & Staff Officers Eighth Air Force 1942-45

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