Transferred to the European Theatre of Operations in May 1943, as administrative inspector of the 3rd Bomb Wing (Medium) - assumed command on 12 July 1943.

Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for leading the 3rd Bomb Wing on two combat operations over Europe on 16 July and 12 August 1943.

Designated commanding General of 9th Air Force Bomber Command in October 1943 and held this command until the end of the war. In this capacity he oversaw tactical bombing operations in support of the Normandy Invasion on 6 June 1944.

Anderson retired from the Air Force on 1 August 1963.