Assigned immediately to the Air Corps Primary Flying School, Brooks Field, Texas, Lieutenant Anderson completed the course a year later.[5] During this period, he saw combat in the Pacific Theater, and in June 1942 was awarded the Silver Star "for gallantry in action in the vicinity of Port Moresby in Salamaua, New Guinea.Two months later, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross "for extraordinary achievement while leading his Bombardment Wing on two combat missions over enemy-occupied Europe on 16 July and 2 August 1943.Returning to the United States in May 1945, General Anderson became chief of staff, Continental Air Force, Bolling Field, Washington, D.C.In June 1945, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for unusual ability and conspicuous technical proficiency in activating, developing, training and directing the operations of the Ninth Bombardment Division (Medium) during the period of July 1943 to December 1944 while serving as commanding general.
Watercolor portrait of Major General Samuael E. Anderson, 9th Air Force, United States Army Air Force 1945