Edward W. Anderson

Major General Edward W. Anderson (September 23, 1903 – April 12, 1979) was an American military officer involved with flying operations, air education, and command structure. During World War II, he commanded several fighter organizations. Post-war he was involved with air education and Air Force logistics.

Early life and education Edward W. Anderson was born at Manhattan, Kansas, on 23 September 1903. He graduated from Long Beach High School, and then from Stanford University at Palo Alto in June 1928, majoring in Business Administration. He entered the Army as a flying cadet on 30 October 1928. Upon graduating a year later, he was commissioned a temporary permanent second lieutenant. He received his pilot's wings at Kelly Field, Texas, on 13 October 1929. After receiving additional training at Rockwell Field, California, he was assigned at March Field, California.

Military career From 1929 to 1933, Anderson served as an assistant engineering officer, flight commander, adjutant school officer, and assistant operations officer at various stations including March Field, California, and Albrook Field, Canal Zone. In 1933, he entered the Air Corps Technical School, Chanute Field, Illinois, graduating in June 1934. After serving with the 24th Pursuit Squadron at Albrook Field from 1934 to 1936, during which time he was promoted to first lieutenant, he became flight commander and operations and intelligence officer of the 94th Pursuit Squadron at Selfridge Field, Michigan.

Anderson was supervisor of the Civil Mechanic School, Air Corps Training Detachment, Boston, Massachusetts, from July 1938, to June 1939. He then attended the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Alabama, from which he graduated in June 1940. He was promoted to captain on 6 January 1940, major on 21 March 1941, and lieutenant colonel on 5 January 1942.

World War II

Circa 9 March 1942, Anderson became commanding officer of the 20th Fighter Group at Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charlotte, North Carolina, and held this capacity until August 1942. Anderson was promoted to full colonel on 22 August 1942, and went to England in September 1942, to organize the 4th Fighter Group, composed of American pilots who had formed the famed Eagle Squadron in the Royal Air Force. After commanding this group for one year he became commanding officer of the 65th Fighter Wing in England and on 3 March 1944 was promoted to brigadier general.

Effective dates of promotion Source: