Biographical Sketch of Commander William R. Anderson, U.S. Navy

COMMANDER WILLIAM R. ANDERSON UNITED STATES NAVY William Robert Anderson was born in Bakerville, Tennessee, on June 17, 1921, son of David H. and Mary M. Anderson. He attended Columbia (Tennessee) Military Academy before entering the U. S. Naval Academy in July 1939. Graduated and commissioned Ensign on June 19, 1942, with the class of 1943, he subsequently advanced to the rank of Commander, to date from July 1, 1955. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy he received instruc- tion at the Submarine School, New London, Connecticut, and in September 1942 was designated a Submariner. From October 1942 to June 1943 he was assigned to the USS TARPON (SS 175) as Com- munications Officer and First Lieutenant, participating in three war patrols and receiving a Letter of Commendation with Ribbon and Combat "V. 11 The citation follows in part: "For meritorious conduct in the performance of his duties in the USS TARPON during the Sixth War Patrol of that vessel in the Japanese waters from 10 January to 25 February 1943. As Battle Station Officer of the Deck, his skillful navigation of his ship materially assisted his Commanding Officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of 21,000 tons of enemy shipping. " He next served for a year as Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant of the submarine NARWHAL which, during that time, made six war patrols. While serving in the USS TRUTTA from July 1944 until August 1946 he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V, " For meritorious service as Engineer and Diving Officer during the Second War Patrol of that vessel in the Yellow Sea from May 28 to July 17, 1945. The citation further states: (He) rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in conducting successful attacks which resulted in the sinking of seventeen cargo-carrying small craft totalling over 4,000 tons and in the efficient rescue of a downed aviator... " Transferring to the USS SARDA in September 1946, after eleven World War II submarine war patrols, he was first Engineer and later Executive Officer of that vessel until September 1949 when he returned to the United States to become Instructor in Naval Weapons and Fire Control with the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit at the University of Idaho in Moscow. Following that duty he again went to sea in February 1951 as Executive Officer in the USS TRUTTA until September 1951 when he was assigned in the same capacity to the USS TANG. In May 1953 he became Commanding Officer of the USS wahoo which par- ticipated in action in the Korean theater from January to May 1954. In July 1955 he became head, Tactical Department, at the U. S. Navy Submarine Sohool, New London. He subsequently served