Other Memories
Lesina A.A.F. base, Italy: Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the Italian Campaign (World War II). Home of the 325th Fighter Group: "Checkertail Clan" from Aug 1942 through May 1945. Engaged primarily in escort operations for Heavy Bombers with the Fifteenth A.F., operations of reconnaissance aircraft and strafing missions. See www.checkertails.org and www.325fg.org websites.
Jul 6th, 1944 - 2nd Lt. Anderson assigned to 319th Fighter Squadron of the 325th Fighter Group at Lesina A.A.F.
Lt Anderson is a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot. Over the next 8 months, Lt Anderson will fly 54 Combat Missions. Also in 54 Combat Missions Lt Anderson is promoted to Capt. and will fly missions to ltaly, France, Germany, Gyor Hungary, Czechowice Poland, Vienna, Austria, Romania, and Hungary.
Criteria The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, kill... The Purple Heart may be awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the Armed Forces, has been wounded, killed, or who has died or may die of wounds received in armed combat or as a result of an act of international terrorism. MoreHide
Comments Letter from the War Department, The Adjutant General Office. Confirming the death of your son, Captain Sheldon K. Anderson, 0702741, Air Corp. While attempting to make his way back to his base in I... Letter from the War Department, The Adjutant General Office. Confirming the death of your son, Captain Sheldon K. Anderson, 0702741, Air Corp. While attempting to make his way back to his base in Italy, he was captured by the enemy and was being transported north when he was killed in action 24 March 1945 near Durrenzimmern, Germany, while in German hands. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Prisoner of War Medal commemorates military service as a prisoner of war. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, since April 5, 1917, has been or shall be taken prisoner or held capt... The Prisoner of War Medal commemorates military service as a prisoner of war. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, since April 5, 1917, has been or shall be taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States in not a belligerent party. MoreHide
Comments Mar 13th, 1945 - 54th Combat Mission: (Mission Not Recorded)
Record states: Capt. Anderson was on a strafing mission to Germany. Report: Capt Anderson's squadron was on a combat mission over Southern ... Mar 13th, 1945 - 54th Combat Mission: (Mission Not Recorded)
Record states: Capt. Anderson was on a strafing mission to Germany. Report: Capt Anderson's squadron was on a combat mission over Southern Germany. Capt. Anderson's P-51 Mustang engine was hit by enemy ground fire and eventually set his engine afire. Capt. Anderson bailed out at a safe altitude and his chute opened. His squadron commander saw him land in a wooded area approximately thirty miles south southeast of Salzburg, Austria.
MACR: 13003 (Missing Air Crew Report): Dated: 03/13/1945, P-51D, Aircraft no: 44-15378, No. 76, Honey Jo, Location: St. Johan-3mi NE, AUS. Crew: Sheldon Anderson, Pilot - POW.
Best Friends
Sep 6th, 1944 - 19th Combat Mission: Nyireghaza M/Y Hungary (Hours: 5:40) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Good bombing - no enemy seen - Voss my wingman.
1st Lt. Leonard D. Voss and 2nd Lt. Vernon B. Kahl
Feb 12th, 1945: Rome (Hours: 0:50) - Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Co-pilot on B-17 for Capt. Rensmer: Pete, Ty and I went to Rome. - Souvenir: In Sheldon's belongings there was a Battle Bracelet (Italian Campaign), apparently purchased in Rome.
Best Moment
Oct 16th, 1944 - 31st Combat Mission: Brux Czechoslovakia: (Hours: 5:30) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Went passed target into Germany. Shot 5 planes (1 probable) down. Memo: Came upon two groups of about 48 each of ME's and FW's - was about 2000 ft above them so "S" over them to identify them and then worked the flight up into the sun and made the pass, got three and had a fight with two more as I tried to leave for home, got both. After Lt. Anderson returned from his 31st Combat Mission, he claimed he shot down 5 enemy aircraft in a 5 minute aerial battle. 5 confirmed kills would give "ACE" status. Intelligence and Operations Officers reviewed the combat camera film from Lt. Anderson's P-51 Mustang. They determined and reported: "Lt. Anderson destroyed three enemy fighters, probably destroyed another and damaged a fifth fighter" (Statement from 325th Fighter Group / 319th Fighter Squadron website) One flight of the 319th P-51's led by Lt. S.K. Anderson distinguished itself with what is probably the most outstanding and gallant success of it's kind in our history. During an escort mission against the Brux O/R in Czechoslovakia, a large force of enemy fighters was observed to the west of the bomber formation. Climbing into the sun, Lt. Anderson led his flight of 4 P-51's in an attack upon the enemy force which consisted of approximately fourth-eight Me-109s and FW-190s. In the aerial battle that followed, Lt. Anderson destroyed three enemy fighters, probably destroyed another and damaged a fifth fighter while members of his flight destroyed three more. Despite the enemy's superiority of 12 to 1, the P-51's suffered no losses. 'ACE" status was not granted to Lt. Anderson. Letter from Sheldon to his parents, dated Oct 17th, 1944. Sheldon wrote about this mission and what he encountered. (See Newspaper Articles: 31 Combat Mission) 2nd Lt. Anderson was presented with the "Distinguished Service Cross" medal.
Worst Moment
Mar 13th, 1945 - 54th Combat Mission: (Mission Not Recorded in his Flight Log) Record states: Capt. Anderson was on a strafing mission to Germany. Report: Capt Anderson's squadron was on a combat mission over Southern Germany. Capt. Anderson's P-51 Mustang engine was hit by enemy ground fire and eventually set his engine afire. Capt. Anderson bailed out at a safe altitude and his chute opened. His squadron commander saw him land in a wooded area approximately thirty miles south southeast of Salzburg, Austria. MACR: 13003 (Missing Air Crew Report): Dated: 03/13/1945, P-51D, Aircraft no: 44-15378, No. 76, Honey Jo, Location: St. Johan-3mi NE, AUS - Crew: Sheldon Anderson, Pilot POW.
Chain of Command
Lesina A.A.F. base, Italy: Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the Italian Campaign (World War II). Home of the 325th Fighter Group: "Checkertail Clan" from Aug 1942 through May 1945. Engaged primarily in escort operations for Heavy Bombers with the Fifteenth A.F., operations of reconnaissance aircraft and strafing missions. See www.checkertails.org and www.325fg.org websites. 319th Fighter Squadron
Other Memories
Aug 22nd , 1944 - 11th Combat Mission: Odertah Refineries in Germany (Hours: 5:20) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Oil Refinery in Germany, no enemy aircraft. Memo: Lintz bailed out in Hungary. He said "Tell my crew chief not to worry my ship was O.K. Till now" He landed in farmers field and waved as flight buzzed him.
Oct 11th, 1944 - 28th Combat Mission: Hungary (Hours: 3:55) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: 2nd flight, Pete's my element leader couldn't get under weather at target. Memo: Locomotive blew up in front of Vedito's ship destroying it.
Oct 14th, 1944 - 30th Combat Mission: Blechammer Germany (Hours: 5:20) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: 5th flight, Saw B-24 crew bail out, then shot empty ship down. Memo: Saw two B-24's and watched the crew bail out and saw the empty ship floating around, made two passes and took pictures of ship blowing up on ground.
Nov 17th, 1944 - 34th Combat Mission: Brux Germany (Hours: 4:25) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Bombers unable to reach target, hit alternate. Memo: Lost "Bobo" Fisher and Dowiatt in air collision over field. Dowiatt spun down out of clouds into Fishers flight then went into lake and Fisher jumped but died from broken neck.
Nov 21st, 1944: Local (Hours: 1:20) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Training flight with some new pilots. Memo: Lost Whitmire who jumped over Yugoslovia - Block was never heard of as yet. 12 ships out of 17 were beat up and a couple more damaged from a strafing raid.
Dec 11th, 1944 - 37th Combat Mission: Vienna (Hours: 5:20) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: One of best bombing jobs I've seen. Engine trouble for me. Memo: Saw Vienna blasted: escorted B-24 to Yugoslovia then seen crew bail out as they could not maintain altitude: Nut came off camshaft causing one bank of cylinders to go out - just could maintain a shallow let down right to end of runway from middle of Adriatic.
Dec 26th, 1944 - 43rd Combat Mission: Blechhammer (Hours: 5:05) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Lead squadron to Blechammer - only section to reach target. Memo: Group leader and other squadron got lost east of target. Major Johnson and I escorted all the stragglers back to lake Belation. I led squadron first time and bombers right on nose. (Silesian Oil Knocked out)
Feb 5th, 1945 - 48th Combat Mission: Regensburg Germany (Hours: 6:45) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Led B-24 home under weather to field, just as he ran out of gas.
Feb 21st, 1945: Local (Hours: 2:45) Per Lt. Anderson's Note Book and Pilot Flight Log: Took movies of four ships, myself, Mason, Pete and Van. Movies converted to photos.
Feb 15th, 1945 - Lt. Anderson was promoted to the rank of "Captain".
Memory and Opinion of Sgt Brian R Rognstad:
Over the years in the Anderson household many stories of Sheldon were told while sitting around the dinner table and other family gatherings, one fitting story goes like this:
- One evening in downtown Kenosha, Sheldon and his girl friend "Honey" had been on a date and they were walking down the sidewalk. Up ahead of them was 3 or 4 guy's waiting in a alley, looking for someone to mug. When Sheldon and Honey got to the alley, these 3 or 4 guy's jump out and assaulted them. Little did these guy's know who they just assaulted, a few moments later the last man standing was Sheldon K. Anderson. Sheldon, a Golden Gloves "Diamond Belt Championship" Champion, just put a "World of Hurt" on these punks.
During Sheldon's time in the 319th Fighter Squadron he flew 54 Combat Missions. During these combat missions Sheldon and his P-51 Mustang "Honey Jo" did a lot of DAMAGE and put a "World of Hurt" on the Nazi War Machine.
Ref: Sheldon's 54th Combat Mission on Mar 13th, 1945 Report: Capt Anderson's squadron was on a combat mission over Southern Germany. Capt. Anderson's P-51 Mustang engine was hit by enemy ground fire and eventually set his engine afire. Capt. Anderson bailed out at a safe altitude and his chute opened. His squadron commander saw him land in a wooded area approximately thirty miles south southeast of Salzburg, Austria.
Ref: Letter from the War Department (Oct 22nd, 1945) Report: While attempting to make his way back to his base in Italy, he was captured by the enemy and was being transported north when he was killed in action 24 March 1945 near Durrenzimmern, Germany, while in German hands.
It's my opinion and I'm reading between the lines... His squadron commander saw him land in a wooded area and he was captured by the enemy and was being transported north when he was killed in action, while in German hands. To me, something happened while he was being transported north. Something happened inside that truck... very probable at the right moment, Sheldon put a "World of Hurt" on anyone and everyone inside that truck and I mean broken jaws, broken and fractured ribs, damaged internal organs and even death.
If that German policeman, Heinrich Otto had anything to do with Capt. Anderson's death it would be interesting to know if Mr. Otto or any of his comrades had received a sever physical beating on 24 March 1945.
Additional P-51 Mustang Training Feb 1st, 1944 - 2nd Lieutenant Anderson received additional training at Hillsborough A.A.F., Tampa Florida - P-51 Mustang Training Per Lt. Anderson's Pilot Flight Log, Training Flights, Feb 5th, 1944 to May 25th, 1944. Upon graduation, Sheldon was awarded a "Sharpshooter" Marksmanship Qualification Badge with a "AERIAL GUNNER" Weapon Qualification Clasp.
Sheldon's Mailing Address: Lt. Sheldon K Anderson, 0-0702741 Tampa, Florida
Sheldon's Mailing Address: Lt. Sheldon K Anderson 0-0702741 Dale Mabry RDD-51E RDD - 51P Tallahassee, Florida
Criteria The Distinguished Service Cross may awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. T... The Distinguished Service Cross may awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the Army, distinguishes himself by extraordinary heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Honor. This extraordinary heroism must take place while the individual is engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; or while he is engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while he is serving with friendly foreign forces that are engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party. The act or acts of heroism must be so notable and involve risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his comrades. MoreHide
Comments Citation: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) Sheldon K. Anderson (ASN: 0-702741), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguishe... Citation: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
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. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments For extraordinary achievement while participating as pilot in aerial flight against the enemy on 1 September 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Throughout many long and hazardous com... For extraordinary achievement while participating as pilot in aerial flight against the enemy on 1 September 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. Throughout many long and hazardous combat missions against vital strategic targets deep in enemy occupied territory, though confronted by heavy enemy opposition from highly aggressive enemy fighters and intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, these individuals consistently displayed out-standing courage, aggressiveness and intense devotion to duty throughout all engagements. With their frequently damaged by heavy enemy fire, these men have courageously remained at their stations, battling their way through to their targets to aid materially in the utter destruction of vitally important installations and supplies. Heedless of service and adverse weather conditions encountered over rugged mountainous terrain and surmounting many other major obstacles that faced them during hazardous combat missions, these men have gallantly engaged, fought and defeated the enemy with complete disregard for their personal safety and against overwhelming odds. The conspicuous and extraordinary achievements throughout these many missions against the enemy have been inestimable value to successful combat operations and have reflected great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. (Authority: G.O. No. 1030, 15th AF, 28 Feb. 45, Capt., 319th Ftr. Sq. 325 Ftr. Gp). MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Comments Lt. Anderson was awarded the medal for his meritorious achievement in participating in sustained aerial operations against the enemy.
Air Medal awarded Aug 26, 1944 - GO #2866, HQ 15th Air Force
Oak Le... Lt. Anderson was awarded the medal for his meritorious achievement in participating in sustained aerial operations against the enemy.
Air Medal awarded Aug 26, 1944 - GO #2866, HQ 15th Air Force
Oak Leaf Cluster awards:
1st - GO #3447, 17 Sep 1944
2nd - GO #4031, 19 Oct 1944
3rd - GO #6187, 27 Dec 1944
4th - GO #844, 22 Feb 1945
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Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Comments World War II and the European Theater and once again I do not have Capt. Sheldon K. Anderson's military records to fall back on.
Capt. Sheldon K. Anderson was assigned to the 319th Fighter Squadron, ... World War II and the European Theater and once again I do not have Capt. Sheldon K. Anderson's military records to fall back on.
Capt. Sheldon K. Anderson was assigned to the 319th Fighter Squadron, 325th Fighter Group in the Mediterranean Theater, Lesina, Italy, between June 1944 and March 1945. According to Capt. Anderson's Flight Log Books, he completed 53 Combat Missions: Bomber Escorts, Strafing Missions, Air/Sea Rescue Missions, POW Rescue Missions, Recon Missions, Top Cover for Bombers and Air-to-Air Combat Missions. These Combat Missions took place in: France, Hungary, Poland, Austria, Rumania, Yugoslavia, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Czechoslovakia and right in the heart of Nazi Germany.
For the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and Campaign Stars, Capt. Anderson would have had to participated in the following required Campaigns: Rome-Arno, Northern France, Southern France, Northern Apennines, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe Campaign.
In addition it states "For those service members who saw combat but did not participate in a designated campaign, the following "blanket campaigns" are authorized to the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, denoted by campaign stars. "Air Combat Campaign"
With the information listed above, I would say Capt. Anderson probably participated in everyone of the required Campaigns. I would also say Capt. Anderson would definitely meet the requirements of the "Air Combat Campaign"
For the history books, unless proven differently, Capt. Sheldon K. Anderson has been awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and 1 Campaign Star.
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Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description Air Offensive, Europe Campaign 4 July 1942 to 5 June 1944) Pre-war doctrine had held that waves of bombers hitting enemy cities would cause mass panic and the rapid collapse of the enemy. As a result,Air Offensive, Europe Campaign 4 July 1942 to 5 June 1944) Pre-war doctrine had held that waves of bombers hitting enemy cities would cause mass panic and the rapid collapse of the enemy. As a result, the Royal Air Force had built up a large strategic bomber force. By way of contrast, Nazi German air force doctrine was almost totally dedicated to supporting the army. Therefore, German bombers were smaller than their British equivalents, and Germany never developed a fully successful four engined heavy bomber equivalent to the Lancaster or B-17, with only the similarly sized Heinkel He 177 placed into production and made operational for such duties with the Luftwaffe in the later war years.
The main concentration of German raids on British cities was from September 7, 1940 until May 10, 1941 in the most famous air battle of all time, known as the Battle of Britain. Facing odds of four against one the RAF held off the mighty Luftwaffe forcing Hermann Wilhelm Göring to withdraw his forces and more importantly indefinitely postpone invasion plans. This proved the first major turning point of the War. After that most of the strength of the Luftwaffe was diverted to the war against the Soviet Union leaving German cities vulnerable to British and later American air bombings. As a result of the victory, Great Britain was used by U.S and other Allied forces as a base from which to begin the D-Day landings in June 1944 and the liberation of Nazi-occupied Western Europe.
From 1942 onwards, the efforts of Bomber Command were supplemented by the Eighth Air Force of the United States Army Air Forces, U.S. Army Air Forces units being deployed to England to join the assault on mainland Europe on July 4, 1942. Bomber Command raided by night and the US forces by day. ... More
Oct 1st, 1943 - Sheldon entered Army Air Corp Advanced Flying School at Moore Field, Mission, Texas Per Sheldon's Pilot Flight Log, Training Flights, Oct 7th , 1943 to Dec 1st , 1943. Dec 5th, 1943 - Upon graduation, Sheldon was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and received his Wings Sheldon now qualified to wear Prop and Wings insignia on his uniform.
Sheldon's Mailing Address: A/C Sheldon K Anderson C/Detach. 43K - 16089736 Moore Field Mission, Texas
Aug 1st, 1943 - Sheldon entered "Army Basic Training" at Coffeeville, Kansas Per Sheldon's Pilot Flight Log, Training Flights, Aug 3rd , 1943 to Sep 28th, 1943. Sheldon's Mailing Address: A/C Sheldon K Anderson Flight-A 43K Coffeeville, Kansas C.A.A.F.
May 25th, 1943 - Sheldon entered "Army Primary" at Hicks Field , Fort Worth, Texas Per Sheldon's Pilot Flight Log, Training Flights, May 28th , 1943 to Jul 26th, 1943. Year Book: Hicks Field, Ft. Worth Texas, "GREMLINS" Sheldon's Mailing Address: A/C Sheldon K Anderson 307th AAFFTD Fort Worth, Texas Hicks Field
Other Memories
Jan 14th, 1943 - Sheldon called and sent to San Antonio, Texas for Classification & Pre-Flight. Sheldon was classified as a "Aviation Cadet" (A/C) Per Sheldon's Pilot Flight Log, Training and Qualifications Flights, Mar 3rd, 1943. Upon graduation Sheldon was classified as a "Pilot" Classification Address: A/C Sheldon K Anderson Cadet Squadron - 113 Flight C A.A.F. Classification Center San Antonio, Texas Pre-Flight Address: A/C Sheldon K Anderson S.A.A.C.C. Pre-Flight School, Pilot Group 13 "Squad 1" Flight A. San Antonio, Texas
Lesina A.A.F. base, Italy:
Mediterranean Theater of Operations and the Italian Campaign (World War II).
Home of the 325th Fighter Group: "Checkertail Clan" from Aug 1942 through May 1945.
Engaged primarily in escort operations for Heavy Bombers with the Fifteenth A.F., operations of reconnaissance aircraft and strafing missions.
See www.checkertails.org and www.325fg.org websites.
Jul 6th, 1944 - 2nd Lt. Anderson assigned to 319th Fighter Squadron of the 325th Fighter Group at Lesina A.A.F.
Lt Anderson is a P-51 Mustang Fighter Pilot. Over the next 8 months, Lt Anderson will fly 54 Combat Missions. Also in 54 Combat Missions Lt Anderson is promoted to Capt. and will fly missions to ltaly, France, Germany, Gyor Hungary, Czechowice Poland, Vienna, Austria, Romania, and Hungary.