World War II Triple Ace Brigadier General Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson passed away May 17, 2024, at home peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family. He was 102.
Considered by many pilots as “the best fighter pilot I ever saw,” Clarence Emil “Bud” Anderson was born on Jan. 13, 1922, in Oakland, California.
During World War II he became a Triple Ace, flying his famous P-51 Mustang “Old Crow” while assigned to the 357th Fighter Group “Yoxford Boys” of the 8th Air Force Group — the first group to be equipped with the Mustang.
Anderson flew two tours of combat against the Luftwaffe in Europe while with the 363rd Fighter Squadron and achieved 16 victories through 116 missions without a single hit from enemy aircraft.
With more than 30 years of service, Colonel Anderson was decorated 25 times, including five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and two Legion of Merits.
He was a life member of the American Fighter Aces Association and a Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
In 2008, he was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 2013.
“Anyone alive who has ever flown a fighter plane looked up to Bud Anderson and the men who flew like him during a time of our country’s greatest need,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum. “Bud was an American hero, a true gentleman and great friend of the museum.”
A 2013 one-on-one interview with Anderson — the most viewed in the museum’s collection — can be found on YouTube.
For more information: ToFlyAndFight.com
My spirit says, Amen.
Rest in peace, sir, and thank your for your service and heroism. We are rapidly losing our heros of the Greatest Generation. We must not forget them.