Last American Triple Ace Tells His Story

[@TJ3]

IMPORTANT LINKS AND NOTES! Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed. First off, big thanks to Bud and his son Jim for allowing me to do this. Make sure to check out his website ToFlyandFight.com and grab Bud’s book there! It is what helped me recreate many of these stories. Secondly, if you want me to be able to continue to make these, please consider joining my Patreon here: Patreon.com/TJ3History AND if you know a living veteran of the air war (Or anything related to the air war) fill out the form here ASAP: forms.gle/QSMGryARyAHa6Bee6 Finally, Historical notes: Obviously it is impossible to be perfectly accurate but we did our best. Important notes are 1) For complex reasons, in many scenes, the green P-51Bs in the background are played by A-36s in my flight simulator. Did our best to hide this. Haha. 2) Bud’s first damage credit may have been a 109 - there is some discrepancy. But what we have here is based on what was in his book. 3) In the P-39 and F4F Wildcat scene, Bud’s trainee may have actually landed in the bay itself. 4) Bud eventually flew the P-51B with the Malcom Hood canopy. I don’t have access to this in my simulator at the moment. Other than those, should be extremely accurate here! Thanks for watching. Also, if you want to come fly with me as an extra in these documentaries, download War Thunder here and join my discord! playwt.link/tj3

[@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423]

Thank you very much for sharing and keeping his memory, dedication and focus alive! Proudly joined the team today, incredible work TJ3 Godspeed from all of us at a military boarding home during deployment for animals!

[@TJ3]

@@rockymountainlifeprospecti4423 woooo! Thanks so much for supporting :D

[@steveshoemaker6347]

lt's good to see Bud still going.....Thanks my friend..... Old Shoe🇺🇸

[@moss8448]

Really nice presentation.

[@chrisjensen918]

Ive had the privilege of Bud Andersons friendship for 45 years. He is the very definition of a humble hero. A kind, polite professional.

[@TylerX553]

It’s crazy, he’s over 100 years old and he’s looks pretty great for his age!!

[@TheopolisQSmith]

Looks better than I do at 72.

[@DblIre]

He's actually 97. He's attended EAA Airventure almost yearly giving forums and promoting his book . There's a P-51 that's also there painted in his colors . I'm apparently mistaken about his age. I read it in one of this year's issues of EAA Airventure Today, the daily newspaper of Airventure.

[@wayneshimmin2818]

@@DblIreactually 101 born in 1922

[@Lamont-fy2xj]

Congratulations looking good, man that's great my great grandma made it to the 100 yrs old school, she was 105 & still pretty good with people

[@MH-53E]

He's pickled. He would make a great tincture...

[@Centuria-lj9tq]

It is so heartwarming to see Bud Anderson in stable condition at the age of 101. I first heard of his flight career thirty years ago, long after his retirement in 1972. God bless him and all who fought him as members of the Luftwaffe. May we stay in peace forever.

[@TheJoyfulOwl-qg1yr]

Colonel Clarence "Bud" Anderson Jan. 13 1922- May 17 2024. R.I.P. Godspeed Noble Soldier & Noble Flyer. And MANY grateful thanks!

[@dunbar555]

I met Mister Bud Anderson once in France, I will never forget this day.

[@TJ3]

Yeah he is awesome!

[@hawkeyegeorge]

Legend

[@NLsmith5723]

Nice

[@user-xq2zn8bu9q]

I wouldn't have either. You are very lucky.

[@dunbar555]

@@user-xq2zn8bu9q best part, he was actually with a friend. Mister Charles Yeager.

[@johnparnell8571]

How lucky are we that this remarkable veteran ace pilot is not only still with us nearly 80 years on from the end of WW2, but that he still has the gift of detail of his first hand experience of aerial flight training and the life and death struggle of his many combat missions, now recorded on film for all time. God bless you, Bud Anderson. We salute you.

[@chrisjensen918]

He is a wonderful person as well.. he is as humble as they come and as long as people remember that hes usually pretty good about telling his story..

[@jgonzalez101]

What a gem of a man! A true heroic courageous American Fighter Pilot Ace of WW2! I am so saddened to hear of his passing this year.❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@jimwiskus8862]

What a great story! My uncle was in intelligence during the war helping plan the B17 missions. He was in the Blue Nosed Bastards of Bodney. It too was a Mustang group. I want to say the 352nd fighter group. He hated his job because he felt he was sending crews to their death.

[@user-qi6qm3kf3w]

Wow! I read his book 'To Fly and to Fight' and was able to meet Bud at one of the Reading, Pa air shows about 15 years ago. Bud came across as a real gentleman and offered to autograph my book. Instead I told him that I'd settle for a handshake and thanked him for his service. I mentioned that I was thrilled by reading about his encounter with a ME-109 that he nailed in a climb. He gave me a sly smile, chuckled and his beautiful blue eyes twinkled. I called him on the phone several years later to once again thank him and remind him that he was one of the Greatest Generation. Thanks - I look forward to the next installment.

[@kevinfraser573]

I got my pilots license in mid-80's. While waiting for aircraft repairs, I watched a video on Bud Anderson WW2 career, (video sponsored by Shell). I was riveted with the stories which I'm sure you will cover in the next chapter. A truly great ace and American!

[@1999mikedunn]

There is a living WW2 fighter pilot in my church. He trained in the hellcat but remained in the states as an instructor. He is 100 years old.

[@user-xq2zn8bu9q]

Great stuff.

[@Shytot-1]

Let's not for one second diminish what Bud Anderson did or went through during his service, but if he had a hard time in his P-51B imagine how much harder it was in 1940 when the planes were less developed and a lot slower. The Merlin engine in Bud's P-51B was close to the top of its development in 1944 and had nearly twice the horsepower of the earlier engines. We are all here today because of men like him.

[@PathfinderHistoryTravel]

Outstanding content. I live near Auburn and Newcastle California and often think of Bud when driving around the area where he grew up and now lives. I was able to meet him at a lecture he gave last year. What an amazing person.

[@matthewmaurysmith2486]

I wished all WW2 content was made as good as yours!!!! Great job! So freaking amazingly cool to chronicle the memories and accounts directly from these guys who lived it. Soon there won't be any left alive ... so this is extremely special!

[@paulgeorge7557]

Yes you are correct sir

[@user-xq2zn8bu9q]

It is & my thoughts exactly. 💯

[@LancelotChan]

The monologue in the beginning was so touching.... it echoes my thoughts in many places.

[@BillRidley-zy2cg]

I concur, least we forget

[@KyleCowden]

My dad knew him (he died in May) and when he was looking for a Christmas present for me, he called Bud up and had him inscribe a book to me.

[@arkhinwinnardlauzon3457]

Saluting Triple Ace Fighter Clarence Bud Anderson for sharing his Incredible Experience and Journey in life. My sincerest and utmost respect to him. Thank you !!! Triple Ace Fighter Clarence Bud Anderson you are such an inspiring leader.

[@deantait8326]

My 103 year old Dad that I’m currently caring for was Army Air Core in Europe duringWW-ll. He was “Intelligence”, In-Coding and De-Coding messages and orders and they moved thru England and Belgium primarily and eventually even into Germany. They/he only came under fire a few times. Twice as German fighter pilots machine gunned their camp/base trying to take out a few planes on the ground. The worst incident was allied bombers returning to England still loaded with bombs after bad weather aborted the mission. The bombers were trying to dump their ordinances into the English Channel before landing back in England but oops started dumping them while still over Belgium. The fog was really thick. Fortunately the closest bombs fell and exploded as close as a quarter mile or less and they didn’t how many planes were coming back. Thanks for your videos

[@clementevaldez1271]

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Anderson at an airshow in the PLANES OF FAME museum in CHINO CALIFORNIA....he gave his autograph on his book of memoirs and sadly now my treasured book is missing.. Mr. Anderson I will always be great full for your time and for your service...GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS

[@dennisud]

Thank YOU and those that get you in communication with these WWII vets as there are stories we need to hear from them, as more of them passaway each year!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@tet68vietnam72]

My dad was the radio operator on a B-17 Flying Fortress named "Home James" in honor of their pilot, Capt. James Risher. His crew, part of the 614th Bomb Squadron, 401st Bomb Group, flew 33 missions before rotating home. On two missions, one of their escorts was the 357th Fighter Squadron. He never spoke much about his wartime experiences, but he always spoke highly of the "little friends" that kept the German fighters off of them.

[@SGTGHOST143]

Was so happy to be here for this

[@TJ3]

Me too lol

[@xfirehurican]

BRAVO ZULU on your excellent account of Capt. Anderson's intro to WWII aviation and his initial experiences! Your additional graphics, pictures of his fellow pilots and actual documents, along with Capt. Anderson's personal testimony is simply first rate. Looking forward to Pt. 2!

[@wesdog8975]

Bud Anderson is still with us being 101 yrs old

[@markbrown7103]

Bud was really quite a pilot with that old Crow P 51 mustang. The mustang was one of the best fighters of World War II. The P 51 mustang was my favorite airplane along with a couple of others. I must say it takes a lot of guts to do what he did. My older brothers were born in the 40s. One of them is already passed away and my other brother is almost 80. He’s got 10 years on me. I must say bud looks mighty good for his age. He’s taking very good care of himself. I am glad he still alive, and can share his experience with the world hats off to him. He’s a great pilot.👍🏼👍🏼😁😀❤️ it makes me happy to see people live on, and tell their story👍🏼❤️

[@charlessmith9903]

Bud is a bit of a hero here in Idaho. I've seen the old crow every year growing up.

[@stevecastro1325]

I was first introduced to the amazing Bud Anderson in the old 1990s “Janes World War II fighters“ combat flight simulator extra content. A true American hero.

[@hariszark7396]

31:35 what a great photo!! You can see so much on their faces. I love Anderson's expression on this one. So glad to have a lot of those people alive to hear their stories. Great video once again!

[@terrysoule8441]

General Anderson lives local to me. Met him a few times at the Auburn Airport where there is a nice Bronze memorial to him. Wonderful man.

[@carlparlatore294]

Col Bud Anderson is one of my heros! a REAL fighter pilot - as a AF fighter pilot I can understand how brave, professional, and a heck of a fighter pilot Col Anderson was. The real travesty of Col Anderson's career is, as a triple ace, he was never was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross or a Silver Star!

[@michaelkrumm1198]

I had the honor to meet and speak to Bud Anderson at Castle Air Museum in Atwater a few years ago. He just turned 101 years old.

[@anubis032]

How long ago was this

[@paulgeorge7557]

I always enjoy your videos but this is one of the best videos so far big thumbs up 👍

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@sidwhelan6918]

You’re so right about the training deaths in WW2. My high school had (hopefully still has) war service plaques on the wall for graduates over time. I remember standing below that plaque as a teen just floored at the number of deaths in training. It was horrific. But then again a lot of this was new and they were figuring it out as they went along, already at war.

[@davidkleinthefamousp]

Bud was exceptional. A Natural stick and rudder man.

[@HonestJohnstories-lv7sb]

I have nothing but admiration and respect for this (then) young flyer. Many thanks from across the pond.

[@TJ3]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Chris-lg6db]

It's great that you share content like this. It gives you a very vivid picture of how dangerous it really was in the skies over Europe at that time. And you've also introduced us to one of the men behind the Mustang's legendary status. Mister Anderson seems like a very likeable old man.

[@davekauffmanjr2069]

ive known bud for a very long time. one of the nicest men ive ever met. hes kind and thoughtful.i moved to utah a few years ago, so i missed his 100th. but ive been told it was pretty awesome. the city of auburn california put on a good program for him.we didnt live very far from each other. he would take a walk everyday and stop by the house and visit for an hour or two. we would also meet him for breakfast at "wings" restaurant at the auburn airport. its his favorite place to go. its just an honor to have known him.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

I've had personal conversations with our Ace, Col Bud Anderson. A truly great American.

[@Treecko-rw1gp]

I absolutely loved this! Your documentaries just keep getting better and better and I cannot wait for part 2❤

[@jackwilson1818]

This video is freaking beautiful. Best presentation of any WW2 channel.

[@matthewmaurysmith2486]

These graphic animations are amazing too. They really help elevate your content to the top

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@squishy._.8730]

Yeah gaijins Dagor game engine is undeniably beautiful

[@jeremyweaver7689]

I never met him but I saw him as a speaker at the Nampa Airshow in 2018. They showed his episode from Dogfights on the screen, what a cool guy!

[@garretvaughn7936]

Fantastic video!! I appreciate your attention to detail and historical accuracy. Bud has spoken many times at our Warbird Roundup air show (Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, ID) and I had the pleasure of getting his signature on my shirt and having a photo taken with him. Even at the age of 99, he signed books for over four hours! One of the nicest and most humble guys ever, and a true hero in every sense of the word. God bles you, Bud, and long life!!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@paulsilva3346]

Rest In Peace, Clarence BUB Anderson. 7:33 I enjoyed your recounts of your life.

[@jacksonlytal3302]

Most don't know that Bud was the technical advisor for a very popular flight simulator program called US Fighters.Bud revealed this to me several years ago at a Auburn, Ca. Air Show. A great gentleman, hero, and an inspiration to us all.

[@antonioperez2623]

A fantastic story telling of Bud Anderson one most decorated American pilots in WW2. Can't wait for the rest of the story. Thank you TJ, awesome work.

[@VictorLonmo]

Great video as always. I really appreciate how you present what happened. The German airforce was one of many hazards faced by pilots in WW2. I think that point is often neglected. You present history in a very personal way. I hope you are able to speak with more veterans. Good luck in your search. Please keep the videos coming.

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@wilburfinnigan2142]

Sadly there are few veterans from WWII left !!! Bud is 101!!!!

[@frankmoreau8847]

I first became acquainted with the story of Bud Anderson in a 1980s era video tape titled Fighter Aces of WW2. It featured 4 members of the 357th fighter group; Bud Anderson, Pete Peterson, Tommy Hayes and Obie Obrian. Great video, I wish someone had digitized it, but I haven't seen it listed as a DVD or download anywhere. These were all great examples of that generation who knew that for the good of others, you sometimes have to put your own wishes, wants and desires on the back burner.

[@mpojr]

tThank you Bud Anderson for your service my father worked on mustangs in the Pacific theater ww2,,,the great generation and you were; from the bottom of my heart to you and my father again thank you for your service.

[@arniewilenken237]

Wow! Awesome story and animation! Highly recommend this for anyone interested in WW2 history!

[@LipeBrickStudios]

proud to fly with you TJ (BerryDuStrawberry)

[@JUNKERS488]

This was well worth the wait. Another Amazing video TJ. One of my favorite pilots too I have read everything I could find on him. You videos just keep getting better and better which I knew they would. Thank you for all your hard work and research you put in to make these amazing videos. Have a great weekend buddy and please Keep 'em Flyin

[@TJ3]

Thank you!

[@josefhorndl3469]

Wow, great video! Sooo well done! Anderson's first "kill" possibly was Lt. Hans Klaffenbach (Bf 109 G-6; 5./JG 11; black 16), who was shot down north of Hannover on March 8th 1944. He wrote in a letter (August 9. 1993): "I flew as Kaczmarek (wingman) of Olt. Knoke. ... We got Luftkampf (dogfight) with Thunderbolts and Mustangs. During the Kurbelei (curving and curving) I lost contact to Olt. Knoke and was - by whom, I don't know - shot down. My Maschine (aircraft) caught fire and so I bailed out with parachute." Most German losses of this day were Fw 190s, so this confirmed Bf 109 in the right area (Hannover) may be Anderson's first confirmed aerial victory.

[@TJ3]

I almost included this point! I hope to include some victory IDs in part 2!

[@bmwelch320]

Awesome information! I've looked ALL OVER the web for years now who the German pilot was ..or what JG the plane was from - that Bud tangled with and bested in his most memorable and famous dogfight that he was in over Southern Germany that day in late May 1944. If I remember correctly .. it was his 6th or 7th victory? Was it possibly one of the Luftwaffe's old hands and Experten? Bud always stated that the Bf 109 he had such a lengthy and rigorous dogfight with - was of no special markings or anything that distinguished apart from any other Messerschmitt. Was it a standard G-6 with the under wing 20mm cannon pods? Or possibly a lighter earlier G-2 or G-4 high altitude version that was still being used at that time to primarily combat the P-51 and P-47 escorts? Any information would be most incredible from a historical reference! @@TJ3

[@Bearthedancingman]

I love the work you're doing! Great stories presented well! If i could offer a request, please balance your volume a bit, i had to turn the volume up whenever Clarence was talking but then your narration was too loud. Thanks! I eagerly await part two!

[@richardgeorge3136]

I have Buds Old Crow P-51 D die cast hanging in my curio cabinet since 2005. Much respect for a true American Hero.

[@bernhardkeil7528]

Great documentary of a legendary pilot who learned to survive his first combat sorties and ended up racking incredible scores. He,´s also extremely adept att tellig the big picture on tactics, plane types etc. …and a through and through nice guy! Waiting for Old Crow pt.2!

[@dan_o]

Absolutely stellar video, thank you!

[@TJ3]

Very welcome!

[@Bathi_wt]

Another wonderful video, i just love them keep them comming ❤ i need more😊😊

[@TJ3]

Thank you! Will do!

[@Rocketsong]

Worked with Bud's Daughter in law at AFRL for 10 years. Still have a signed copy of his book. Great to see this.

[@CAprice4ever]

This was awesome thank you soo, much for doing this Tj3, this brings new light to the bud anderson story

[@_TheUpsetGerman]

Glad to see this! Ive been asking for a video on him for years!

[@_TheUpsetGerman]

I remember reading his book multiple times over, it had to be one of my favorites to this day, glad to see it finally got a visual to go with it.

[@Caterpillarjon]

R.I.P Bud. I know you are flying Old Crow again in blue skies!

[@adamrodgers2377]

Thanks for the awesome Upload! I really enjoy these Stories about the Fighter Pilots and there Aircraft. I will make sure my Daughter gets to see this tonight as well.

[@i-a-g-r-e-e-----f-----jo--b]

What a great American Hero! Thanks, great video, TJ3!

[@carycoller3140]

I'm feeling some type of way about this dude. He felt more for a plane than his squadron mate, by his own admission.

[@moonshineofthemoon8054]

Love the P51 TJ. One of the greatest planes in the world, keep at it these videos are so good looking.

[@TJ3]

Thanks Moonshine!

[@pbast1967]

That was great!! Richard Peterson is another 357th pilot I've seen in documentaries a lot., hurry home honey I think is the first mustang model I ever built as a kid! Great documentaries you do on here!!

[@danculver2388]

Awesome video and I really love Bud Anderson for what he did for this country. God bless him he is an Amazing Man. I also fly rc airplanes and I have a P51 mustang painted up just like his P51 D old Crow.I want to thank him for his brave service and keeping us Free

[@MadHattersAlice0622]

I can't wait for part 2!

[@imdoobie80]

I'm reading his book to fly and fight. Bud was an awesome pilot. I hold him on the same level as General Olds.

[@mikehudgins47]

Thanks for your service sir...

[@jafo4u508]

The old History channel is back boys and girls, tears of happiness 😂 life is good again!

[@johnpeterson4775]

Best Ever so far! Watched it twice!

[@TJ3]

Thanks John! :)

[@charlesmoss8119]

If you read the book ‘carrier pilot’ a story by a fleet air arm pilot you get the aweful feeling that more people were getting killed just flying rather than shot down - horrific losses

[@evanschneidau4818]

I had the honor to meet Bud Anderson in 2021 in Nampa, Idaho. Not only that, but I think I also got a picture with him, and I have a signed poster of him and his P-51 on a wall in my room.

[@billm4138]

Bud is from Auburn Ca...There's a nice monument to him and his mustang at the Auburn Airport

[@jamesmartin7282]

God bless Bud Anderson and his buddies. Old Crow was a great aircraft, but I think Bud would have done well in a P-47, a P-38, a P-40 or the twitchy P-39. He was simply a great pilot.

[@loganpollock1689]

I knew a P-51 pilot named Vern Pauley. His first big action was on the 3/6 /44 raid on Berlin. One third of the bombers failed to join the formation and they took heavy losses. The Mustangs were ahead of the formation of bombers and turned back and had altitude and the sun behind them as they engaged the enemy fighters. The bombers lost 68 and the fighters lost 13 with 160 enemy shot down. Doolittle was highly pissed and sent them back to Berlin on the 8th of March. The exact same time and place is usually a no-no, but Doolittle told the group commanders that they better get it right this time. Doolittle had such a reputation that the pilots would say -'Yes sir! We'll do it, sir" , no matter what the mission was.

[@vicdibujante52]

Its awesome man! what a piece of history, and one of my fvrite tales ´til today

[@jl8543]

Bud Anderson and Old Crow,👍👍👍

[@TKSubDude]

Fantastic story telling by adding in War Thunder footage to make it more real!

[@garyrunnalls7714]

Great job in this doc ❤❤❤❤❤

[@bobjohnbowles]

Thank you for preserving this interview for posterity.

[@albertojoseyanespantin2803]

Col. Clarence Emil “Bud” Anderson, has unfortunately passed away yesterday, May 17th 2024, at the age of 102.

[@leonardwolf1820]

There is another "Bud" that deserves a mention when mentioning great fighter pilots. His name was George "Bud" Day. The only reason he didn't have more medals is that he already had them all. At a banquet in his honor after he retired he was wearing more medals than all the other 56 officers present combined. Including the MOH.

[@lyonknives1784]

Bud is a friend of a friend. We've met several times. Along with....that other guy. Great story.

[@garykyle5750]

Thanks for the hard work.

[@eamo106]

Loved it, shared with the kids that met you in Houston every year, Your words into action . Cannot wait for part 2 , ONeills/Texas.old fans.

[@dronepilot260rc]

What an amazing story and production

[@kevintemple245]

Can't wait for part 2!

[@jimc6687]

Excellent portrayal and storyline/production, TJ! I'd love to shake Bud's hand and thank him for his bravery and sacrifice that brought us all this freedom we all enjoy to this very day! It's amazing how much that pilot warning Mustangs about a bogey on their tail sounded just like you!! :>) Jim C.

[@stephenanderle5422]

It was the German pilot warning each other about the Mustang on his tail!

[@TJ3]

Haha thanks!

[@stevebailey325]

I've added this comment to a number of Bud videos. I met him at an airshow in the 2000. he was doing a book signing and I mentioned I was a private pilot. He signed the book and when I read it later he wrote "to a fellow pilot.." I broke down.

[@scottprentice8411]

I wonder if Mr. Anderson knows enything about golden trout in new mexico. You Sir, absolutly legendary. I spent a few years in grass valley ca. I heard many tales involving yourself and colonel Yeager.

[@chuckintexas]

Thanks for chronicling this important history!

[@TJ3]

Thanks!

[@jprules2578]

Grew up about 30 minutes north of Miramar during the 70s. Used to look up and identify A-4, A-7, F-8 and Phantoms and then Tomcats. Neighbor behind us was with VF-1. Thought I was going to be a fighter pilot as well till I realized my physiology, eyesight and lack of advanced math skills would kill that idea.😂 Met Richard "Pete" Peterson(357th "Hurry Home Honey") back in 92 when I was chasing after WWII pilots to see and hear their stories. Having him buy a still long haired 26yo a gin and tonic is a highlight for me. Met Frank Klibbe that night as well(P-47 Little Chief).

[@timf6916]

Nice, good job

[@jessemerrill6481]

Not to be mean but I definitely get a chuckle every time the narrator says “luftwaffe”, not sure why they decide to change how they are talking every time they say it but it’s kind of silly 😂

[@alexdarcydestsimon3767]

A good one ! Good to see him alive.

[@SGTSnakeUSMC]

Great vids and history!