Assigned to 67BS, 44BG, 8AF USAAF.



Flew on 1-Aug-43 raid on Ploesti in B-24 42-40172 earning his DSC for his actions.



Flew as Command pilot on mission to V-1 sites at Agathe d' Aliermont, France 21-Jan-44; A/C hit by flak, Major Anderson was mortally wounded in the back and legs and succumbed to his wounds before the A/C reached the UK. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 8714



Awards: DSC, DFC, AM (3OLC), PH, EAME (2 battle stars).



DSC Citation: Major (Air Corps) William N. Anderson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 506th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (H), NINTH Air Force (Attached), while participating in a bombing mission on 1 August 1943, against the Ploesti Oil Refineries in Rumania. During a long and hazardous attack against a vital enemy oil installation made at low-altitude by a formation of B-24 type aircraft, Major Anderson flew through heavy enemy fire against impossible odds, and then brought his crew safely back to base without the loss of a single man. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Anderson on this occasion, even when confronted with practically certain destruction, exemplified the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.



General Orders: Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 90 (1943)