Newell Anderson - a family hero

The story of Newell Anderson moves fast... so pay close attention. He was born in Glenwood Utah on March 16, 1921 to Parley and Hattie Anderson. The Anderson’s were experienced parents by this time having six living children, five daughters and a son, to greet Newell upon his arrival. Another child, a first born son named Parley Dale, had died in a tragic farming accident when he was not quite three years old. There would be one more son and another daughter born (after Newell) that would complete their family. The oldest child was Leda May, who was 20 years old and married at this time. Leda is the mother of my mother.... and hence my maternal grandmother.

The family moved around a bit as the kids grew up, rotating between Annabella, Glenwood, and Burrville. All of these towns were similar in size and very representative of rural central Utah. The older kids primarily grew up in Annabella and the younger ones spent most of their years in Burrville whcih was where some of Hatties family had established themselves. Census records show the following informtion over the years:

Marriage Glenwood Aug 1, 1900

• Residence Glenwood 1910


• Residence Annabella 1920


• Residence Burrville 1930


• Residence Annabella 1944

For those who are unfamiliar with Sevier County, here is a clue to where we are talking about:

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It was in Burrville that Newell spent most of his boyhood, attending elementary school in the town of Koosharem with the other children of the family.

The nearest post-secondary schools were either in Monroe or Richfield, each about 50 miles away and too far for daily travel. Newell apparently chose to attend South Sevier HS and boarded with the family of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Jones in Monroe for a short time. But he also lived with his Sister Leda’s family in Richfield. His nieces and nephews there were more like brothers and sisters and they welcomed him as part of the family. Hal, Ledas second child, was actually only a few months younger than Newell. Eventually both would graduate in 1941 from Richfield High School.

With High School behind him and the United States about to enter World War II, Newell joined the Utah National Guard in 1941. A year and a half later he began training with the US Army Air Corps and left for overseas duty in Europe in 1943. He became a proficient fighter pilot and was in one of the first groups to fly the P-38 Lightning fighter plane. These planes had been specifically developed to help protect the B-29 bomber groups and became very popular for their agility in the air. The P-38 also introduced a new dimension to American fighters - a second engine. The two engine configuration significantly reduced the loss-rate to anti-aircraft gunfire. Even a small nick in the prop of the earlier single-engine airplanes could bring the plane down.

During this time of service Newell earned medals for meritorious achievement as well as an Oak Leaf Cluster. He was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and his final assignment was training instructor with the 8th Army Air Force in England. Randall Anderson, in his “Tribute to Newell Anderson” chronicles in greater detail Newell’s experiences in England and subsequent death in 1944. Randall is the son of Dean Anderson, Newell's younger brother, and did a great research job in finding out info on Newell that fills in many gaps. Thanks Randall.

Meanwhile, the Anderson family went about life as well as best they could back home. Only two years younger than Newell, brother Dean followed suit by enlisting in the service and fighting in the Pacific. Hattie and Parley were especially proud of their boys but her health continued to deteriorate, and on April 4th, 1944 she died at home of congestive heart failure. It is not known if Newell ever received word of her death for he died in action just five days later on April 9th. Then, as if that were not enough, On April 27th Parley died of complications from diabetes. It was while the family was making preparations for his service that the fateful telegram arrived with the news of the death of Lt. Newell Anderson.

It was decided to hold joint services for father and son and the Annabella Church was packed with mourners when services began with Bishop Roberts conducting.

For those who are not conversant with military awards and decorations:
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity in or with the Armed Forces of the United States, shall have distinguished himself/herself by meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.

An Oak Leaf Cluster is awarded each time a person earns the award, i.e. an Air Medal. Thus the number of oak leaf clusters typically indicate the number of subsequent awards of a particular decoration. Newell therefore earned the Air Medal twice during his service.