Oct 16th, 1944 - 31st Combat Mission: 2nd Lt. Anderson was presented with
the "Distinguished Service Cross" medal.
Citation: ?Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Sheldon K. Anderson (ASN: 0-702741), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 16 October 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Action. On this date Second Lieutenant Anderson shot down THREE enemy aircraft. His unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 15th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.