World War II Honoree

William Deal Anderson, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Gastonia, North Carolina

Honored By

James O. Sweeny

Relationship

Classmate

ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AS AN AVIATION CADET ON OCTOBER 2, 1941. AFTER RECEIVING HIS WINGS, ENTERED INTO ACTIVE DUTY WITH THE ARMY AIR FORCE ON MAY 20, 1942. FOR THREE YEARS, GAVE TWIN ENGINE FLYING INSTRUCTIONS TO AIR CORPS OFFICERS WHO IN TURN WERE ASSIGNED AS FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS TO VARIOUS TWIN ENGINE FLYING SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TRAINING COMMAND. DURING THIS THREE YEAR PERIOD HE ALSO ACTED AS FLIGHT COMMANDER AND OPERATIONS OFFICER FOR THE CENTRAL INSTRUCTOR'S SCHOOL AT RANDOLPH FIELD IN TEXAS. THE LAST SIX MONTHS OF HIS WWII SERVICE, HE WAS AIR INSPECTOR IN CHARGE OF TRAINING AND OPERATIONS FOR TWIN ENGINE FLYING (B-25) AT BLACKLAND ARMY AIR FIELD AT WACO, TEXAS. HONORABLY DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY ON JANUARY 5, 1946 AS A CAPTAIN.