Bud Anderson

Clarence Emil "Bud" Anderson (January 13, 1922 – May 17, 2024) was 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.

Bud Anderson
Anderson in 1944
Nickname	Bud
Born	(1922-01-13)January 13, 1922 Oakland, California, U.S.
Died	May 17, 2024(2024-05-17) (aged 102) Auburn, California, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Army Air Forces United States Air Force
Years of service	1942–1972
Rank	Colonel (retirement rank – 1972) Brigadier General (honorary promotion – 2022)
Unit	357th Fighter Group
Commands held	69th Fighter-Bomber Squadron 18th Tactical Fighter Wing 355th Tactical Fighter Wing
Battles/wars	World War II Vietnam War
Awards	Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (5) Bronze Star Medal Air Medal (16)
Other work	Manager of the McDonnell Aircraft Company's Flight Test Facility at Edwards AFB (1972–1998)

On December 2, 2022, Anderson was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general by Gen. CQ Brown Jr., the Air Force chief of staff at the Aerospace Museum of Oklahoma.

Anderson died in his sleep on May 17, 2024, aged 102, at his home in Auburn, California.