WWII Triple Ace Brigadier "Bud" Anderson. 1922 - 2024 | Celebrating An Aviation Icon

On May 17, 2024, at 5:29 p.m., WWII Triple Ace Brigadier General Clarence E. "Bud" Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 102.
Bud Anderson Interviews, PART 1: • Brigadier General Bud ...
This is a previously unreleased interview with the American hero, filmed when he was 90 years old.
Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson is a WWII Triple Ace. He served from 1942 to 1972. Some of his decorations include two Legion of Merits, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, and the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring from active duty, Anderson worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards Air Force Base.
“[Bud’s] kind of a wrecking ball of a guy and I think for many of us, probably wouldn't want to have him behind us shooting us down-he had a distinguished career,” Brown said. “It was really good to have a chance just to read through and for me personally to reflect on the impact you had on the history of our Air Force.”
A large crowd of more than 200 people were in attendance to honor Anderson, as well as members of Congress, local district representatives, and retired military.
“To all the young people that have the ambition to join the Air Force,” Anderson said, “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.”
Before the ceremony, Anderson was asked how it felt to receive this honor; he said he was too overwhelmed to answer that question.
Anderson was born on January 13, 1922. He is 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.
The 357th Fighter Group was stationed at RAF Leiston, and the group was equipped with the North American P-51 Mustang in January 1944. Anderson flew his first mission on February 5, 1944. On March 3, 1944, he shot down a Messerschmitt Bf 109 that was attacking a straggling B-17 Flying Fortress over Berlin, his first aerial victory. Anderson continued to score aerial victories until he shot down a Bf 109 over Frankfurt, his fifth aerial victory, thus making him a flying ace.
On June 29, 1944, Anderson shot down three Focke-Wulf Fw 190s over Leipzig. In July 1944, he took leave and returned to the United States. In the Fall of 1944, he returned to 357th FG and continued to score aerial victories. He scored his final aerial victories on December 5, 1944, when he shot down two Fw 190s over Berlin.
Anderson flew two tours of combat against the Luftwaffe in Europe while with the 363d Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group, based at RAF Leiston, England, and was the group's third leading ace with 16+1⁄4 aerial victories. The others only flew one tour so they had less time in the air. His P-51 Mustang, (P-51B-15-NA AAF Ser. No. 43-24823) the P-51D-10-NA Mustang, AAF Ser. No. 44-14450 B6-S, again nicknamed Old Crow (after the whiskey of the same name), carried him safely through 116 missions without being hit by fire from enemy aircraft and without Anderson ever having to turn back for any reason.
Anderson returned to the U.S. in January 1945, serving at Perrin Field, Texas, until October 1945, when he was assigned as a recruiter in Ohio. Anderson served as a test pilot at Wright Field from May 1948 to February 1953. During this time, he took part in the FICON project, a concept to increase the effective combat radius of jet fighters by attaching them to a propeller-driven bomber, one hooked up to each wingtip. The hope was that it would not only increase fuel efficiency and effective range but also allow the bomber to carry its own fighter escort deep into enemy territory.
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[@Wilett614]

Bud was a Patriot, Hero and a Member of Americas "Greatest Generation" We as Americans owe these Men and women who fought and died to Keep America and The world safe and to Remain Free , an Allegiance , to keep what they fought for intact and in doing so Remember All of them for their sacrifice, we Must NEVER Forget . God Rest them in Peace and eternal love ,Forever . Their numbers are dwindling rapidly , and this week we lost a Remarkable Hero .

[@mpojr]

my Dad worked on P 51s ,,,,he and all your Buddies are waiting on you Bud RIP and many thanks for your service.

[@user-nc2bf9vx5y]

Yes,indeed.

[@2-Hands]

"Thank You" for my FREEDOM and Rest in Peace, Sir...

[@user-ik2yl8oz8d]

Bud Anderson, what a true hero and a Gentleman. At the Wings restaurant at the Auburn Airport you could catch him having lunch during the week.Thank you General Anderson for your gift to America and aviation.R I P .

[@TheSaturnV]

Been dreading this day, my signed copy of To Fly and Fight is one of my most treasured possessions. RIP you wise Old Crow.

[@johnresto1603]

I have a couple of art prints with his signature and just acquired another one with his old crow.

[@derekcoaker6579]

Gave my best friend my first copy, and got another for myself. Definitely a Treasure.

[@OdeeOz]

R.I.P. Bud. 😢😭💔💔 How sad that another of my Heroes has passed away. We met a few times over the years, and he lived not too far from me.

[@MrGameMeister]

Back in the late 90s I had not only the pleasure of speaking with Bud, not only interviewing him, but he stood over my shoulder as I was flying a flight simulator while he was giving me advice. He shared not only a signed copy of his book, but the book also contained a signature from chuck Yeager. Incredible man.

[@jcwoodman5285]

A long eventfull life well lived! RIP

[@johnhammond9962]

A Major at 22 and he flew the F-104 and didn't die? Rest easy legend, and thank you.

[@davidgarbersr.8065]

General Anderson was a Great inspiration for so many. Calling a Hero is such an understatement. RIP Sir and thank you.

[@AlvisHerren]

I built the Testors model of Gen Anderson's "Old Crow" P51 Mustang in the mid-90s after my grandfather, also a WW2 vet had bought one for me as a gift for my 13th birthday. Still a big fan of Mustangs, model building, WW2 history and the greatest generation ever since then.

[@Skeeterguy24]

I had the chance to speak with Bud 1:1 for about an hour and learned so much. Dogfights and life lessons…

[@vozdelatalaya2041]

102 years... Wow

[@bbb462cid]

Fighter pilots were good physical specimens. I saw him in interviews in the mid 90s, and he didn't wear glasses. He voice and eyes were that of a young man.

[@dougscott8161]

I hate to watch long video's. That being said I watched this video about a year ago, and then tonight, I saw it and just got totally wrapped up in it (probably because I had just seen the news about Col. Bud Anderson's passing) and I just had to watch this again, and feel like I've learned even more about the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. Thanks for presenting this in-depth interview. God Bless and stay safe.❤

[@stephencastello6553]

My favorite member of my favorite generation is gone, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace Bud.

[@charliebratcher3106]

A true Hero. May you rest in peace Sir. Your duty is done.

[@hotrod6919]

I got the chance to meet him about 10yrs ago at Auburn Airport. He borrowed a Citabria to give his granddaughter lessons. I didn't really know who he was so my dad made me read his book.

[@bbb462cid]

'To fly and fight'. Great read

[@romandecaesar4782]

Really tragic that so many people like Bud spent their entire careers fighting the wrong enemy.

[@tonyf9076]

Deepest respect and sympathy from your brothers 🇬🇧

[@joeburch9515]

I met Col. Anderson at one of the Reading, Pa airshows. I bought a copy of his book. When he asked me if I wanted him to autograph it, I declined (there was a long line behind me). I just wanted to thank him in person for his contributions. He quietly chuckled when I told him how much I enjoyed his tale of nailing that 109 in a climb. I did speak with him twice afterwards. I found his California telephone number. He was such a modest man. I told him that he is one of the Greatest Generation. His gracious reply...'I don't know about that.' We also discussed the G force limits on the P-51. God Bless and God Speed!

[@miloswanson9646]

I met Col Anderson several times at airshows., and had my copy of his book "To Fly and Fight" autographed at the Dayton OH airshow almost 20 years ago... I'm trying to remember if he attended "The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends" in Columbus OH in 2007 (goal was to have 65 P-51s in attendance). True gentleman. Godspeed, sir!

[@JC-pu1ej]

Bud was there for the Gathering of Mustangs in 2007 with Bill Overstreet and others from the 357th. It was glorious.

[@aegontargaryen9322]

Another WW2 hero passes on , thank you sir for what you did for us . God bless you , The old crew are finally back together.

[@DEVILDOG1964]

GOD BLESS YOU BUD NOW YOU FLY WITH THE ANGELS!! RIP🙏

[@billness2635]

RIP Gen Anderson. You, Yeager, O’Brian and all of your colleagues have been heroes of mine since I became aware of WWII history and aviation in the 70’s. 50 some years later, I’ve put my wings earned in the USAF and civilian aviation away, but I still look up to see what is overhead! Head West joining back up with the Greatest Generation of soldiers, sailors and airmen that shaped our world. As an aside, I’ve asked members of his generation if they would of fought as they did if they could of known then what the US (and the world) has become today? General Anderson eluded to his answer early in this video.

[@christopherholliday6907]

Fair Winds & Following Seas Sir. 🏴‍☠️🇺🇸

[@flyerbob124]

I once had dinner with Bud and some other noted airman plus I own a tribute bicycle made up like his mustang and signed by him my wife bought me at a silent auction. I’m proud to have met him.

[@jonnybeck6723]

God bless you Bud... The best, the coolest ...and forever my HERO

[@mr.besripair1383]

Thank You Bud for all of your service! R.I.P. To the triple ace. An American Hero.

[@doughboybellmore2347]

Rest in Peace Brother

[@NeroontheGoon]

A good life well lived! Thanks for everything Bud, Gods got you now!

[@analystanalyst7652]

I haven’t watched this yet, as I just stumbled upon it. I had such a personal liking for the man that I avoided anything about him in recent years, as I did not want to know that he was gone. But the inevitable happened. I got to sit alone at breakfast with him, years ago now, and we talked about flying as thought I had flown with him and we were old chums; that’s how gracious a man he was. He told me of patrolling the Channel the night of June 5, 1944 and flying formation all night on navigation lights and when first light came it was only he and another left, as everyone else fell off after hours of this flying. It was funny in retrospect. We said goodbye that morning, as though old friends; and I had forgotten to tell him that my dad used to fly with Tex LaGrone at North American during the war, and spent a far amount of time in Dutch Kindelberger’s B-25, along with Tex, as part of the P-51 program out of Mines Field. 'The laminar airflow wing was quite a deal '.

[@fiddlefolk]

RIP Bud Anderson! One of my heroes! American hero and bad ass fighter pilot! A great man!

[@johnvandemark6264]

Rest in Peace Bud😢

[@douglasbuckland8280]

Man, just saw this! Can't believe he's gone. I first saw him on Dogfights and followed him since. A true hero and a fine man gone.

[@barrygrant2907]

Sad. RIP, Bud.

[@franklopez6349]

Thank you for posting this tribute video. We Shall Rember.

[@gregorymceaddy8884]

Badass American...I salute you..

[@Trojan0304]

Got to talk with the ultimate fighter pilot several times at air combat symposiums, none better 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@tonydeaton1967]

Never met the man but, being a student of the history of the airwar during WW2, learned of him many years ago. In reading about him, studying his career, he gradually became a personal hero of mine. Condolences to his family. Rest in Peace, Bud Anderson for, you have surely earned it.

[@genechronister7085]

All real heroes

[@johnreed4503]

He was my childhood hero and I've had the honor of meeting this good man several times. God Speed and God Bless Bud Anderson...sleep well sir.

[@michaelmakes1225]

admiration off the scale, a humble hero, who never boasted.

[@chrismair8161]

Some people have no clue what to do at age 17. Then some have a "Curb" direct them into on coming lanes and they like it! The Man went to WAR knowing this is it. A pleasure meeting him in my life time. Rest in peace "Bud". "Hondo" cleaning the air space for your arrival. (SALUTE!)

[@derekcoaker6579]

Jealous of so many that got to meet Bud, I learned of him too late to get that pleasure. What an incredible story of a Great American. R.I.P Gen. Anderson.

[@StangLX351]

RIP General Anderson! You now join my grandfathers in the skies beyond. So few of you hero’s left thank you for being such an inspiration to us all.

[@SteveAubrey1762]

Another incredible hero has taken flight. CAVU General Anderson!

[@eamo106]

O'Neills in Katy ,Texas are few, but we are Bud Anderson people. My sons and I met him at every "Wings over Houston" in Octobers, in the Veterans tent, We missed so many air display hours talking to Bud and other Vets.. thats why we bought tickets and books !

[@bitslayer604]

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings

[@gruntforever7437]

You want to talk about a life well lived. Him and Chuck personified everything America stood for.

[@jgonzalez101]

Wow, very much enjoyed seeing and hearing what all these men had to say about flying the Mustang Fighter planes. I especially enjoyed hearing Fighter Pilot Ace "Bud" Anderson's Ariel accounts of his experience during WW2! I am so saddened to hear that he passed this year. I believe that he will be not only remembered as a great Pilot; but a truly great man. A Heroic man, among men! May God rest his soul. ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@user-ig6oy7mx1y]

Rest in peace Brother!!

[@Nghilifa]

Rest in Peace & Power General Anderson!

[@josephgrosso8731]

Thank you true American Patriot! Loved his episode on Dogfights!! RIP!!!

[@amdg2023]

Prayers for you Bud and all our veterans, thank you.

[@itseliasyall2384]

One of my greatest inspirations ❤ one of reasons that I’m behind the stick in the cockpit and building airframes was the fault of this Ol’ Crow. God bless you Mr Anderson and his family my condolences. 😢❤ Fly on Ace

[@daveallen8824]

God Bless Him - he and Chuck are flying together again...

[@Tom-em4ph]

I first saw him on the old ac Delco commercial Chuck Yeager did he appeared at the end of it my dad a WW2 vet would say that's old Bud Anderson. My favorite line in his book was we all thought we were better than Yeager. RIP Bud Anderson and Thank you for your service

[@raycaster4398]

Thanks, Bud!

[@user-fi2ix7mr6i]

RIP Col. Anderson! Thank you for your humble courageous service to the UNITED STATE'S of America 🇺🇸🙏🫡 RESPECT.

[@jamestregler1584]

Another Vet gone ; But NEVER FORGOTTEN ! 🇺🇲

[@joeblow5037]

He did it his way. RIP, Bud

[@ald1144]

I got to meet him once at the Reno Air Races. I orobably babbled like a star-struck idiot. Funny how I idolized Yeager when I was a kid, but came to respect Bud much more as I got older. Fair winds, sir.

[@paulzammataro7185]

RIP, Sir!! Thank You!!

[@usnchief1339]

A great American hero...RIP Bud

[@captain54526]

I Salute You !!!!!

[@jerryumfress9030]

Bud Anderson was the BOMB!

[@user-nc2bf9vx5y]

Just heard that he has died. And he along with the late Lt. Clarence "Lucky" Lester,who was a Tuskegee Airman were unique in that they were very young men who accomplished this an a very young age. These types of men saved our lives along with many others.

[@libertine5606]

They are leaving us. I remember going to the American Legion and getting to hang with all the WW2 guys. My dad was one of them. They were stoic. They didn't talk about the war and I never asked. It wasn't my place but I am glad that a lot of that is getting documented now.

[@jimb8904]

Thank.s. bud....

[@marcellagrand1322]

R.I.P Bud ,your a true Hero.

[@davidrose8612]

One of the greatest from America's greatest generation.

[@joelpierce3940]

One of the true American Heroes.

[@franklopez6349]

Clear Skies Sir. We shall remember.

[@rdaxthedog]

What a wonderful man

[@rdaxthedog]

He and General Olds were true gentlemen

[@user-od1ob4gg9b]

So there was a real Bud Anderson..God bless you sir for your service and sacrifice

[@richardbarchas2070]

What is not widely reported is that Baron von Richtover single-handedly shot down 11 Messerschmitts and 6 Focker-Wulfs before being quietly dismissed by the Luftwaffe.

[@jamesjacobs5954]

LEGEND 🇺🇸

[@iagreeron]

Blue sky's,old crow. Thank you once again for the autograph .......r i p.

[@ricardocorbie6803]

Rest in peace General!! Glad you got your flowers 🌺 before you left!! A grateful nation thanks you!! God bless your family!! My dogfight videos just became a treasure item to me!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@bbb462cid]

Rest in peace Bud Anderson. Chuck Yeager called him "the best fighter pilot I ever saw".

[@swede5209]

They don’t make em like that anymore 🇺🇸

[@robertmueller2023]

I had the chance to see Mr. A not nine months ago at an air show.

[@jamesbottger5894]

It doesn't sound like Col. Anderson ever owned a P-51 himself, which is a shame considering how great of a hero, and an American he was. I wonder if he just never had the income to afford one?

[@RobertAbel-zc9lv]

Gods speed Bud . I will see you in Heaven when my service is done. Your friend always M.G Rod Abel . AKA the Sled Driver WARD or Walt Watson.

[@bbb462cid]

Bud is hanging out with Chuck Yeager now. God speed.

[@2012photograph]

Kind remind one Ted Williams of Boston Redsox.That something fly from World War 2 to Vietnam Wars.Few have his knowledge

[@user-po3ev7is5w]

God, the USA can't afford losses like this in this day and age where most males under the age of 60 never became real men. Bud, say hi to Chuck for all of us.

[@Skeeterguy24]

The discussion will now continue on who was the wingman…. 👍🏼

[@user-po3ev7is5w]

@@Skeeterguy24 😄

[@etubrutus3501]

Sore high great American 🥹

[@brucemiller8109]

General Anderson you now can look upon the face of God... Well done sir, your among the best.

[@user-js7ek9oh3p]

I read the P-51 is the only prop-powered fighter to have a kill on a jet-powered MIG in Korea. Are there any confirmed kills of Jet-Powered ME's in WWII.? Did the P-51 fly any combat missions in Vietnam.?

[@bbb462cid]

The P-51 would not have been in use during the Vietnam era. The plane would have been the F-51 at the time; "P" stood for "Pursuit" and was a pre-WWII term that was, essentially, used to fool congress into funding fighter planes under the idea that they were defensive, used for the "pursuit" of aggressive hostile aircraft. That's where the "P" in P-26, P-36, P-40, P-38, P-47, P-51, etc, comes from. The designation was changed to "F" for "Fighter" after WWII in the USAF. The USAF was not doing combat ops with F-51s in the 1960s, but several air forces around the world used the F-51 until the early 1980s.

[@arivicente4912]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🇧🇷

[@user-hl1dq7nh4d]

rip bud anderson,,, great asset to humanity, will be remembered as long as boomers r around.

[@nycj3ahudson341]

General Anderson DID NOT fly out of "LEICESTER"; he flew out of "LEISTON"...

[@nathanthompson3401]

A nickel on the grass, sir.

[@John-jl9de]

The real deal.

[@farmrrick]

Did Bud ever fly a D model in WWII ? Ohhhhh yep 2nd tour.

[@glenbolderson9279]

[@shanetharle4030]

BuB was fighting against German Luftwaffe fighter pilot who had less than 100 hours flying time and restriction on fuel ,how much time they were allowed to fly the plane it was like flying against babies

[@derekcoaker6579]

Cool story. 👎

[@howardamey7228]

The purest epitome of a great man and hero to America. RIP Warrior.

[@user-rr8db3mu6y]

Greatest Generation. I never forget you. I miss the Greatest Generation.My Dad South Pacific after the war worked so hard. Most I mean most people in that Generation loved AMERICA. THANK YOU MR ANDERSON.