William Y. Anderson

Who is William Y. Anderson?

William Yngve Anderson was a Swedish American fighter ace of World War II with seven official victories in Europe, flying P-51 Mustang fighters in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He was born in Kramfors, Sweden.

In 1922, Anderson's family emigrated from Sweden to Chicago, in the United States of America. Anderson joined the USAAF in September 1941. After completion of training in 1943, he was stationed at RAF Boxted, near London, England, 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. His official tally of 7, however, does not include V-1s, as shooting down pilotless aircraft did not officially count towards his victory tally.

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