Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, a seasoned pilot, arrived in the European Theater of World War II in 1943, when many of his peers had barely an hour of flight experience.

Having begun his flying career in 1941 at the age of 19, Anderson brought valuable expertise to the aerial combat over occupied Europe.

His distinguished aviation career spanned four decades, earning him the prestigious title of “triple ace” and a rightful place in the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Auburn, California, on May 17, 2024, just over a year after receiving a post-retirement promotion to brigadier general from the Air Force. He was 102 years old.

Anderson served two combat tours during World War II, flying the P-51 Mustang from November 1943 through January 1945.

According to his biography, he completed 116 combat missions, destroying 16 and 1/4 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and another on the ground.

As a member of the 357th Fighter Group, he became the squadron’s highest-scoring ace.

The title “ace” refers to a fighter pilot credited with shooting down five or more aircraft.

Anderson’s military service spanned from 1942 to 1972. His decorations include two Legion of Merit awards, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 16 Air Medals, the French Legion of Honor, and the French Croix de Guerre, among numerous other ribbons.

He also had an extensive test pilot career, flying many early jet fighter models.

Over his 30-year service, Anderson piloted more than 130 types of aircraft, accumulating over 7,500 flight hours.

After retiring from the military, Anderson worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 2022, he was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.

During the promotion ceremony, Anderson encouraged young people to pursue their dreams, saying, “To all the young people that have the ambition to join the Air Force, have at it! You can be what you want to be, and you should know that when you like what you do, you can excel, be a better person at your job to do it better.”

Anderson is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Relevant articles:
– Clarence ‘Bud’ Anderson, Last World War II Triple Ace, Dies at 102, Military.com
– Brig. Gen. ‘Bud’ Anderson, the last of the American WWII triple aces, dies at 102, WDBJ
– Fighter pilot Bud Anderson, the last of the WWII triple aces, dies at 102, Stars and Stripes
– Famed WWII fighter pilots, now 100 and 101, to get final rides in sky, sandiegouniontribune.com