Allen G. Sanderson, Local WWII P-47 Thunderbolt Pilot Passes on January 21, 2022
Allen was a P-47 pilot during WWII flying 118 missions in Africa and Italy in a Thunderbolt built in Evansville, Indiana.
He was born in Roanoke, Virginia on November 17, 1922, and enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on July 29, 1943, at the age of 19 after war was declared on Germany, Japan and Italy.
Sanderson was a member of the 64th Fighter Squadron (Black Scorpions), 57th fighter Group, 87th Fighter Wing and 12th Air Force stationed at Alto Air Base in Corsica. He was a fighter pilot with combat missions in North Africa, Europe and two missions over the beaches of Normandy on D-Day in 1944. Allen earned the rank of Major and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Three Air Medals for his outstanding accomplishments and service during WWII. After his honorable discharge on July 2, 1947, Allen then served in the Army Reserves until February of 1950. On April 8, 2019, Congressman Larry Buchon of Indiana honored Allen by entering his name into the Congressional Record in the United States House of Representatives.
He was a passionate volunteer at the Evansville Wartime Museum, where friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. where full military rites will be rendered by the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans.
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