Dale L. "Andy" Anderson

Dale L. "Andy" Anderson, Colonel, United States Air Force, Retired, 100, of Wampum Mt. Air Rd. New Beaver Boro died on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at the Golden Hill Nursing Center following a short illness.

Born November 19, 1910 in West Pittsburg, PA, he was the son of the late Fred and Bessie M. Gibson Anderson.

From the time of a boyhood visit to the Scottish Rite Cathedral where there was an airplane in the lobby with a sign that said "Learn to fly this plane at the New Castle Airport" he knew he was destined to fly. He signed up for lessons and had his pilots license at the age of 18. After graduating from Slippery Rock State College, he joined the Army Air Corps where he served for 26 years. Mr. Anderson spent the early part of WW II as a test pilot. In 1944, he was deployed to England with, and operated tactically, the first squadron of B-17 aircraft that were developed specifically for use against German V-1 and V-2 rocket launching sites in Normandy. He personally trained all flight crews of the Eighth Air Force. In 1945, he was assigned to the 99th Bomb Group in Italy, serving as Commander of the 346th Squadron and later as Deputy Group Commander. All told, Mr. Anderson flew nearly 40 missions and served to advance the technology that protects our nation and pilots to this day. Following his retirement in 1961 as a Colonel from the United States Air Force, Andy remained an avid aviator for the rest of his life. He began building his own Amphibian Aircrafts in the garage of his home in California and then started a company that sold manufactured parts and plans for the "Spencer Air Car" to others. He also taught school in the Los Angeles Public School System for 16 years. He belonged to many organizations that pertained to flying such as the QB's (Quiet Birdmen), the EAA, the OX5, and many others. He was also the secretary of the Early Birds for many years. He was affiliated with the Church of God - Highland Ave. New Castle.

Survivors include 2 daughters - Linda (John) Courtie of Aurora, CO, Becky (Jim) Norge with whom he resided; son - Craig (Eve) Anderson of Sun Valley, CA; and 6 grandchildren.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Schilling.

Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 on Tuesday, September 13 at the Marshall Funeral Home. 341 Main Street Wampum.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 14 at noon with his pastor, Rev. Ron Mounts officiating. Military rites will be offered by the New Castle Veterans Honor Guard.

Interment will follow in the Bethel Church Cemetery .

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Guide Dogs of America, 13445 Glenoaks Boulevard, Sylmar, CA 91342, which was one of his favorite charities.