Captain George L. Anderson retired May 31, 1954, after more than 30 years of loyal and outstanding service in the Coast and Geodetic Survey by reason of his own request. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute at the head of his class on June 12, 1923, with the degree Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and on June 30, 1923, he started his long career in the Bureau as Deck Officer and was assigned to sea duty aboard the Ship LYDONIA, followed by a tour of duty in the Philippine Islands on the MARINDUQUE.

On returning to the States he advanced through various assignments on many Coast and Geodetic Survey vessels and field parties to become the Supervisor of the Southeastern District Office in Norfolk, Virginia, and Commanding Officer of the Ships HYDROGRAPHER, and EXPLORER engaged on EPI-controlled hydrographic surveys in the Gulf of Mexico and in Alaska, respectively.

Captain Anderson rendered one of the most outstanding services of his career on August 17, 1952, while commanding the Ship EXPLORER in Alaska, when he answered an SOS from the SS EVGENIA CHANDRIS, a 7,000-ton Greek ship aground on the west side of Amatignak Island, Alaska. The EXPLORER sped through a thick fog to the scene, arriving in less than an hour after the message. CAPT Anderson boarded the stranded vessel, which was aground at bow in a narrow cover, and after conferring with the Master and Mate he made soundings of the area using launches. The EXPLORER's kedge anchor was placed to seaward on cable payed out from the EVGENIA CHANDRIS and the ship was refloated by hauling on the anchor and reversing the engines.

Emergency medical treatment was also given to a member of the crew of the EVGENIA CHANDRIS who was suffering with appendicitis. The patient was taken aboard the EXPLORER, given further medical treatment, and then transported to a hospital in Adak. During World War II, Captain Anderson was on active duty with the U.S. Navy from January 2, 1942 to 24 April 1945, as Senior S urvey Officer of the USS BOWDITCH (with the rank of Commander) operating in strategic areas. He assumed the duties of Supervisor, Western District in San Francisco, California, February 1, 1953, serving in this assignment to the date of his retirement. He is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, National Geographic Society, Propeller Club, and Masons.

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The Buzzard, 6/22/1954