This Military Service Page was created/owned by
CWO2 Philip E. Montroy
to remember
Marine MGen Norman Anderson.
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Contact Info
Home Town Manitowoc
Last Address Virginia Beach, VA
Date of Passing Sep 06, 2009
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
MajGen Anderson retired from the USMC on June 30, 1972. After his retirement, he was very active in the MacArthur Memorial Foundation in Norfolk, VA. for 28-years. He served as Executive Director for the first 10 years and then as a member of the Foundation Board. He remained a Director Emiritus until his death.
The General died on September 6, 2009 in Virginia Beach, VA. He was buried with full-military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Other Comments:
MajGen Anderson was an aviation pioneer for nearly 4o years. He focused on developing (and defending) Marine Air's team approach to the support of ground troops. On Guadalcanal, he led th famous SCAT effort to resupply Marines on the ground at a time when Japan controlled the waters around the island. In Korea, he led the air cover for the Inchon landing. In Vietnam, he was one of the developers of the "Super Gaggle" concept which helped defend and save countless lives at the Battle of Khe Sanh during the 1968 Tet Offensive. After his retirement, MajGen Anderson went on to author a series of articles on close-air support.
"Amusing Historical Note": In 1941 he loaned his good friend, Greg "Pappy" Boyington, $1000.00
so that he could go to China and fight with the Flying Tigers. He later recalled that it was money well spent and that Boyington paid it back in-full and on time!
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VI Campaign (1968-69)
From Month/Year
November / 1968
To Month/Year
February / 1969
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.