Bud Anderson
Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson (January 13, 1922 – May 17, 2024) was a retired officer in the United States Air Force, a triple ace of World War II, and the highest scoring living American fighter ace. During the war he was the highest scoring flying ace in his P-51 Mustang squadron. Towards the end of Anderson's two combat tours in Europe in 1944 he was promoted to major at 22, a young age even for a highly effective officer in wartime. After the war Anderson became a well regarded fighter test pilot, and a fighter squadron and wing commander. He served his wing commander tour in combat in the Vietnam War. He retired as a full colonel in 1972, after which he worked in flight test management for McDonnell Douglas. A member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, Anderson has remained a sought-after speaker at aviation and military events well into his 90s.
| Bud Anderson | |
|---|---|
_01.jpg) Anderson in 1944 | |
| Nickname | Bud |
| Born | January 13, 1922 Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Died | May 17, 2024 (aged 102) Auburn, California, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1972 |
| Rank |
|
| Unit | 357th Fighter Group |
| Commands held | 69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 18th Tactical Fighter Wing 355th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles/wars | World War II Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (16) |
| Other work | Manager of the McDonnell Aircraft Company's Flight Test Facility at Edwards AFB (1972–1998) |
On December 2, 2022, Anderson was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general by Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the Air Force chief of staff at the Aerospace Museum of Oklahoma.
Anderson died in his sleep on May 17, 2024, aged 102, at his home in Auburn, California.[1]
Bud Anderson Media
Anderson onboard his P-51D-10-NA Mustang 'Old Crow'
The top scoring fighter aces of the 357th Fighter Group. L-R; Richard Peterson, Leonard Carson, John England, and Clarence Anderson.
Anderson as a test pilot at Edwards AFB
- Bud Anderson and Hub Zemke.jpg
Anderson with flying ace Hubert Zemke at the Gathering of Eagles event at Maxwell Air Force Base in 1989
Anderson (seated second from the right) in 2011
Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force Charles Q. Brown Jr. administers the reaffirmation of the oath of office to Anderson, after promoting him to the honorary rank of brigadier general (2022)
U.S. Air Force Command Pilot badge (see en:Command pilot)
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References
- ↑ Killian, Mike (2024-05-18). "WWII Triple-Ace Col Bud Anderson Has Passed Away". Avgeekery.com. Retrieved 2024-05-18.
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