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91st WWII hero, gone but not forgotten

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica McConnell
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  "Andy, like so many of his contemporaries, was not the type to advertise - he was really that sort of gentleman in the best meaning of the word," said Brad Smith, a close neighbor and friend of Andy Anderson, who was a World War II veteran that flew for the 91st Bombardment Group.

During World War II, the 91st Bombardment Group, now the 91st Missile Wing, accomplished approximately 70 missions for the United States. As one of the first heavy bombardment organizations located in England in the early days of World War II, the 91st had to learn techniques and tactics through experimentation, and frequently suffered heavy losses until they mastered such lessons.

During one such loss, Anderson was assigned as an experienced combat pilot to fly co-pilot on a mission to Ludwigshafen on Sept. 5, 1944. En route, the crew lost an engine to flak and had to turn back with bombs still on board. On their way back, they lost two more engines to flak and fighter jets, and had to bail out over Alsace-Lorraine, now Meuthe et Moselle.

They landed in a meadow not far from a tiny village called Baslieuse. A peasant woman by the name of Jeanne Jacob, found and led them to a cave where two escaped Russian soldiers had also been hiding. The peasant woman and her husband shared food and clothing with the crew, at great risk to themselves, as the Germans were constantly searching for the crew members of the downed plane.

Days passed without any sign of rescue, yet the crew kept faith. When a jeep finally came wandering through the village, Anderson and the rest of the crew jumped on and were driven to a forward allied body collection point. It was from that point that Anderson and his crew were transported back to the partially liberated Paris, and from there to England and Bassingbourn.

"I think the rescue affected him incredibly deeply," said Smith. "He and the other Airmen had barely survived the loss of their aircraft, bailing out and landing behind enemy lines. The best they could have hoped for was being taken as prisoners of war."

"He was very, very grateful to the French rescuers - he understood the risks those people were taking, and the price that France had already paid in the war," Smith continued. "I expect he felt incredibly indebted to them."

Following the war, Anderson went on to attend college and graduate from the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Southern California, later earning a PhD in education. He taught and worked as an administrator at Los Angeles public schools for more than 40 years.

"He was a teacher and principal at schools across Los Angeles, in some very nice neighborhoods and some pretty rough ones, all throughout the 1960s and 70s, a time when schools were dealing with a lot of issues," said Virginia Anderson, Andy's wife of 61 years. "I think he was willing to take on some pretty tough assignments because of that same ideal of service he had in the Army Air Force."

Thirty-five years after his evaded capture, Anderson visited the village and the people that saved him to thank them for their kindness. He was welcomed with champagne and gifts, and spent most of his time speaking with the locals through a French translator.

"After the war, he started a family and a new career - he felt like he never had a chance to properly thank everyone involved," said Smith. "So when he had the chance, he went to visit. He and Virginia [Anderson's wife], enjoyed the trip immensely. I think it was one of those ideas - pay your debts and recognize those who deserve recognition."

Virginia said the trip was very interesting to say the least. She said many of the villagers were very happy and excited to see them.

"One lady was so excited, she fainted!" said Virginia. "They served us a nine-course meal with a glass of wine accompanying each course. It was very nice. They presented Andy with a wooden plaque, on which the fleur de lis of France, the stars of the United States and an inscription were carved into. The inscription read, 'We shall be friends eternally. May God guard us from more war."

"Andy [Anderson] was the sort of individual that lived life as an example," said Smith. "He did not advertise his work in the community, and never had a harsh word for anyone. He was of the generation that built our city and our country through selfless service."

"I can only imagine a lot of those virtues came from his experience and service in the Army Air Forces and with the 91st Bombardment Group," added Smith.

Anderson recently passed away and is survived by his wife, their daughters Kim and Lisa, and four grandchildren. Although he is now gone, Virginia and Brad both believe he left behind a legacy that's sure to be remembered.