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
Birth name	William Yngve Anderson
Nickname(s)	Willie
Born	(1921-06-28)June 28, 1921 Kramfors, Sweden
Died	May 9, 2011(2011-05-09) (aged 89) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army Air Forces
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	Captain
Battles / wars	World War II
Awards	Silver Star Distinguished Flying Cross (2) Air Medal (13) Croix de guerre (France)
Other work	Commercial pilot United Airlines

Biography

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:

• 13 April 1944 one Focke-Wulf Fw 190
• 28 May 1944 one Messerschmitt Bf 109
• 21 June 1944 two Messerschmitt Me 410s
• 1 August 1944 one Bf 109
• 7 August 1944 two Bf 109s