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:

CHARLES ALDEN ANDERSON

San Benito, Texas

Andy

Few have to be so formal as to say "get off your knees sandblower," because he is friendly enough with everyone for them to end this "intelligent" remark with "Andy." This friendliness is not confined to the male of the species, and very seldom are his friendly overtures ignored by the opposite sex. Perhaps it is his suspiciously high forehead, perhaps his poetic and artistic abilities, or perhaps his athletic achievements that make him so attractive. It is hard to say, for Andy is as versatile as he is friendly. Perhaps one of his most noticeable achievements is the ability and desire to argue. On what or on which side of "what" makes no difference. It's an argument, and you are wrong—at least so he claims and

Football 3, 2,1i; Swimming 4, 3, 2; Reef Points; Musical Clubs 2; Lieutenant (j.g.).

CHARLES ALDEN ANDERSON

San Benito, Texas

Andy

Few have to be so formal as to say "get off your knees sandblower," because he is friendly enough with everyone for them to end this "intelligent" remark with "Andy." This friendliness is not confined to the male of the species, and very seldom are his friendly overtures ignored by the opposite sex. Perhaps it is his suspiciously high forehead, perhaps his poetic and artistic abilities, or perhaps his athletic achievements that make him so attractive. It is hard to say, for Andy is as versatile as he is friendly. Perhaps one of his most noticeable achievements is the ability and desire to argue. On what or on which side of "what" makes no difference. It's an argument, and you are wrong—at least so he claims and

Football 3, 2,1i; Swimming 4, 3, 2; Reef Points; Musical Clubs 2; Lieutenant (j.g.).

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 71 members of the Class of 1938 on Virtual Memorial Hall.