William Y. Anderson

William Yngve Anderson (June 28, 1921 – May 9, 2011) was a Swedish-born American fighter ace of World War II, credited with seven official victories in Europe while flying P-51 Mustang fighters with the United States Army Air Forces.

For other people of a similar name, see William Anderson.
William Yngve Anderson
Nickname(s)Willie
Born(1921-06-28)June 28, 1921
Kramfors, Sweden
DiedMay 9, 2011(2011-05-09) (aged 89)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army Air Forces
Years of service1942–1945
RankCaptain
Battles/warsWorld War II
AwardsSilver Star
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Air Medal (13)
Croix de guerre (France)
Other workCommercial pilot United Airlines

Anderson was born in Kramfors, Sweden, on June 28, 1921. In 1922, Anderson's family emigrated from Sweden to Chicago. Anderson joined the United States Army Air Forces in September 1941. After completion of training in 1943, he was stationed at RAF Boxted, near London, on "Diver" patrols, defending London from V-1 flying bombs.

Anderson shot down a V-1 on June 17, 1944, and it is possible but not confirmed that he shot down more V-1s.[1] His official tally of 7, however, does not include V-1s, as shooting down pilotless aircraft did not officially count towards his victory tally.[1]

Official victories:

References
  1. Gyllenhaal, Lars; Westberg, Lennart (2010), Swedes at War: Willing Warriors of a Neutral Nation, 1914–1945, ISBN 978-0-9777563-1-5
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