James Richard “Sandy” Sanderson
Eagle Scout 1943
Distinguished Eagle Scout 1994
Vice Admiral James R. “Sandy” Sanderson had a distinguished career in the United States Navy. While a student at the University of California, Berkeley, he enlisted in the Navy in San Francisco in September 1943. He was called to active duty in March 1944.
After deployments on two destroyers with the U.S. Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific, operating mainly from Shanghai and Tsing Tao, China, he commenced flight training at Pensacola, Florida, in January 1949. He was designated a Naval Aviator in May 1950. He then served as a carrier attack pilot.
Admiral Sanderson joined Attack Squadron 195 at Alameda, California, where he served in Air Group 19 on the USS Princeton (CVA-37) until December 1952. Participating in two Korean cruises, he flew in excess of 100 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross “for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight as a pilot of an attack bomber” while participating in the torpedo attack on the Hwachon Reservoir Dam.
His U.S. Navy commands included Commanding Officer of the USS Rainier (AE-5) and USS Saratoga (CV-60), Battle Force, United States Sixth Fleet, and Deputy Commander, Atlantic Command, Atlantic Fleet. He entered the Navy Aviation V-5 program in 1943 and retired from the Navy in April 1983.
In addition to the Legion of Merit with two Gold stars in place of a second and third award, Admiral Sanderson has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with four Gold stars, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Service, Navy Unit Commendation Medal with Bronze Star in place of a second award, the Korean Presidential Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency “E” Ribbon, and Vietnam Distinguished Service Medal, 2nd Class.
He also wears the American Defense Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, China Service Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with Silver star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
Sandy was an active supporter of Scouting throughout his life. He earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1943 in California. Eventually becoming stationed in Hampton Roads, he helped host the annual Eagle Recognition Dinner for Tidewater Council’s new Eagle Scouts.
VADM Sanderson was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award in 1993 and was honored as a Tidewater Council Living Legend in 1998. He died in 2010.