Department of Defense

Hana, Maui-born, Wilhelm A. Andersen, joined the National Guard of Hawaii prior to World War I. After graduating from Officers’ Training Camp held at Schofield Barracks in Nov. 26, 1917, the newly commissioned first lieutenant was assigned to the 2nd Infantry. He was called into federal service in December 191 7 and reported to Fort Shafter.

Eight months later, he left for more officers training at Camp Fremont, Calif. The 10- person class of former Hawaii Guard officers included Maj. Samuel I. Johnson, the former brigadier general and Hawaii adjutant general, who had to resign his rank and drop from brigadier general to major. National Guard ranks did not always translate directly to active duty mobilized ranks. Andersen was honorably discharged after the war at Schofield Barracks.

In 1923, the demobilized Hawaii Guard was reorganized: Oahu’s 1st Infantry became the 298th Infantry Regiment, while the neighbor island’s 2nd Infantry became the 299th Infantry Regiment. In 1925, Maj. Andersen became a lieutenant colonel and 1st B., 298th Infantry command. Also in 1925, the legislature approved the designation changing the National Guard of Hawaii to the Hawaii National Guard.

1929 brought Andersen his full-bird eagles (colonel) and command of the 298th Infantry. The following year he received his 10-year Hawaii National Guard Service Medal and he attended advance field and staff officer school at Fort Benning, Ga.

Col. Andersen becomes the assistant adjutant general in addition to 298th commander, in 1934. He and the HNG were federalized Oct. 15, 1940, prior to the United States “joining” World War II. The 298th Infantry became the active duty 22nd Infantry Brigade, Hawaiian Division, at Schofield. In 1942, he is nominated and promoted to brigadier general by Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt. The general concluded his military service shortly after the war in 1945. Col. Robert L. Stevenson replaced Andersen as commander of the 298th in 1946.

In civilian life he worked at Theo. H. Davis and Co. Ltd., and later at the Bank of Hawaii.