William Lee Anderson

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Carl H. McNair, Jr. on October 28, 2014:

Bill Anderson was a friend to all and a model cadet, in sports, football, track and the Ski Club, as well as a dedicated Cadet Chapel Choir member for all four years. His aspirations to become a fighter pilot were realized early on as he moved up the ladder of command over his 27 years in the USAF, Commanding and flying fighters in Europe, Vietnam and CONUS, earning two Distinguished Flying Crosses, fifteen Air Medals, three Legions of Merit and numerous lesser commendations. In sum, an all around top performing officer/airman and academician teaching at the Air Force Academy and culminating his service as the Professor of Aerospace Science at the Virginia Military Institute in 1982. His post-retirement career was equally gratifying, earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia Law School in 1985, and moving into private practice in Charlottesville, specializing in Elder Law for many years. Active in community affairs, he was the founder and President of the West Point Society of Monticello and numerous other local professional organizations including the Air Force Association and the President of the local MOAA Chapter. For his contributions to and support of the Boy Scouts of America, he was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award by the local Council. And in the true spirit of faith, Bill served as the Senior Warden of St. David's Anglican Church where he was honored in passing by his many friends and neighbors as he had served them in life. May Bill be remembered by us all in the words of the Pilot's Poem, "High Flight", by John Gillespie Magee, Jr. -- "Oh I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter Silvered Wings; Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds -- I've trod the untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God." May our dear friend and classmate now rest in eternal peace, having served his nation, his family and his God whom he revered and loved for more than eighty years. Faithfully - Grip Hands Bill - Until We Meet Again, Carl McNair, '55 Classmate and Fellow Aviator

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