Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, a venerated icon of military aviation, soared into legend as the last surviving triple ace of World War II, an accolade signifying his remarkable achievement of shooting down 16 enemy aircraft. On May 17, the storied skies fell silent as Anderson, at the age of 102, passed away peacefully at his home in Auburn, California.
Amidst the thunder of propellers and the whistle of machine-gun fire, Anderson’s prowess was first etched into history during his service with the 357th Fighter Group. His tenure spanned from the tumultuous skies over Europe, from November 1943 to January 1945, where he completed 116 missions and amassed a staggering 480 combat hours.
With each sortie, Anderson solidified his status not only as an exceptional pilot but as a tenacious adversary, the latter sentiment echoed by his squadron mate and fellow aviation legend, Gen. Chuck Yeager, who once remarked, “On the ground, he was the nicest person you’d ever know, but in the sky, those damned Germans must’ve thought they were up against Frankenstein or the Wolfman.”
The P-51 Mustang, a machine that turned the tides of aerial warfare, became synonymous with Anderson. He named his steed “Old Crow” after a favorite bourbon shared amongst young pilots, and it was with this moniker that he engaged in breathtaking dogfights—quick, deadly dances requiring unparalleled marksmanship and airmanship.
As Anderson deftly maneuvered his P-51, a solitary silhouette against the chaos, he not only safeguarded bombers but relentlessly pursued and dismantled the Luftwaffe’s fighters.
Anderson’s legacy extended beyond the war, into the burgeoning era of jets and supersonic flight. His role evolved as a test pilot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, where he was instrumental in the initial Mach 2 jet fighters.
He was chief of flight test operations at Edwards Air Force Base in California, supervising projects such as the F–15 Eagle, F/A–18 Hornet, and Boeing C–17 Globemaster.
His illustrious military career culminated in a trove of honors, including five Distinguished Flying Cross medals, 16 Air Medals, and the prestigious French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre. Even in retirement, Anderson continued to fly, surpassing more than 7,500 flying hours across over 130 aircraft types.
He shared his rich tapestry of experiences through his autobiography, “To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace,” and numerous public speaking engagements, leaving a profound impact on generations of aviators and enthusiasts.
Anderson’s heroism was not his alone to claim. The collaborative spirit of his ground crew, whose unsolicited labor one night to remove the olive-green paint from Old Crow in favor of a more stealthy aluminum finish, exemplified the collective effort that led to his aerial feats. Their dedication was a testament to the shared pride in their accomplishments—a plane that soared because of the hands that kept it aloft.
The departure of Bud Anderson marks the end of an era, a final salute to the ‘triple ace’ who once dominated the wartime skies and later shepherded the transition into the jet age.
Yet, his exploits will continue to inspire through the annals of military aviation history and the enduring reverence for his service.
As we reflect on his life, it’s with a solemn recognition of the courage, skill, and pioneering spirit that propelled Anderson and his comrades through battles that shaped our world.
Anderson’s story is a touchstone for military tech and politics enthusiasts, resonating with those who hold deep appreciation for the indomitable human spirit and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the defense of freedom.
Relevant articles:
– Triple Ace Bud Anderson dies at 102, AOPA
– Bud Anderson, last triple ace pilot of World War II, dies at 102, Washington Post
– Bud Anderson, last surviving World War II triple ace pilot, dies at 102, CBS News
– Bud Anderson, America’s last World War II ‘triple ace,’ dies at 102, Air Force Times