CHARLES A. ANDERSON, LT, USN
Charles Anderson '38
Date of birth: October 17, 1914
Date of death: July 10, 1943
Age: 28
Lucky Bag
From the 1938 Lucky Bag:
Loss
Charles was lost when his SOC-3A Seagull was shot down near Gela, Italy, on July 10, 1943 during the invasion of Sicily. He was flying from USS Savannah (CL 42) while that cruiser conducted shore bombardment.
His wife was listed as next of kin. He is buried in Illinois.
Career
From naval aviation historian Richard Leonard via email on February 9, 2018:
- NAS Pensacola designated NA # 7402, 4/3/1941
- Date of rank LTJG from 1 Jul 1941 USN Register, 6/2/1941
- Date of rank LT from 1 Jul 1942 USN Register, 6/15/1942
- VCS-8 USS Savannah (CL-42) DFC PH KIA, 7/10/1943
Distinguished Flying Cross
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Charles Alden Anderson (NSN: 81237), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight during the invasion of the Island of Sicily in July 1943, while attached to the U.S.S. SAVANNAH (CL-42). Lieutenant Anderson, as Pilot of a cruiser scouting plane, performed spotting and reconnaissance missions with great efficiency in the face of heavy enemy anti-aircraft fire and air opposition. His spotting, performed under extremely hazardous conditions, contributed greatly to the success of the bombardment of enemy positions. His reconnaissance flights, which carried him deep into the enemy territory, were of great value to the assaulting forces. The courageous service of Lieutenant Anderson in which he gave his life was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: July 1943
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Division: U.S.S. Savannah (CL-42)
Class of 1938
Charles is one of 70 members of the Class of 1938 in Memorial Hall.
