Colonel Bud Anderson (retired), a legendary World War II triple ace fighter pilot, has passed away. He was 102 years old.
Anderson's family said in a statement, “On May 17, 2024, at 5:29 p.m., Anderson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.” “We are blessed to have him as his father. “My father lived an amazing life and was loved by many.”
Anderson shot down 16 Nazi Luftwaffe planes.
He and his “Yoxford Boys” quickly overpowered the Luftwaffe as part of the 363rd Fighter Squadron (Eighth Air Force), 357th Fighter Wing, based at Leiston Field, England. They shot down 600 aircraft between 1943 and 1945, producing more than 40 Flying Aces.
With the Mustang “Old Crow” Anderson participated in two major combat tours. He flew 116 combat missions in Europe, shooting down 16 enemies. Chuck Yeager also flew with Anderson.
“It was a really cool airplane,” Anderson said of the iconic P-51. “It probably saved the air war in Europe and had a major impact on the war in Europe.”
Jimmy Dolittle was Anderson's hero
Anderson said the legendary General James “Jimmy” Doolittle was his hero for allowing American fighter pilots to attack the Luftwaffe.
“He was my hero.” Anderson said. “Dolittle came in and changed the situation and got the fighter pilots fighting, and in fact that was what allowed us to defeat the Luftwaffe. He went towards them and told them to leave the bombers behind and destroy them somehow. We gained air superiority by killing their fighter pilots.”
Bud was on D-Day
“I wish they had given us GPS during World War II,” Anderson said. “Flying at the same time with 32 other planes in the dark on D-Day was terrifying.”
“It was the longest mission I’ve ever flown,” Anderson recalled. “We set off dark and early in the morning. I remember logging in for over 6 hours that day. We were on patrol behind the lines to get there during the day. It was intense to say the least. But I wasn’t afraid.”
“D-Day was a very turning point and important event in American history,” Anderson said. “The fact that I participated in defeating the opposition that allowed the invasion to occur is very important to American history. But I believe it was also a double-edged sword. We defeated many enemies but suffered heavy losses. “We must continue to make it a priority to honor those who were unable to return home.”
Anderson received many awards and decorations.
Colonel Anderson received numerous decorations during his 30-year career. These include two Legions of Merits, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, 16 Air Medals, the French Legion of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre. In 2015, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal along with America's Fighter Ace.
In 2017, Bud was inducted into the EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame and received the Air Force Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other highlights of his career include postwar assignments as an F-86 fighter squadron commander in Korea and an F-105 tactical fighter squadron commander in Okinawa. He also served on two Department of Defense missions.
After retiring from active duty, he worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards AFB. Anderson joined McDonnell Aircraft for 12 years, serving as an assistant manager and then manager of the company's flight test facility.
Anderson was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008. Anderson was promoted to honorary brigadier general in 2022 by the USAF Chief of Staff.
He was inducted into the San Diego Air and Space Museum's International Air and Space Hall of Fame in 2013.
A P-51 can be seen flying in honor of Anderson.
Jack Roush restored the P-51 Mustang to look exactly like the “Old Crow” Bud flew in World War II.
“To all the young people out there who have ambitions to join the Air Force, go for it!” Anderson said. You need to know that you can be anything you want to be, that when you love what you do, you are better, and you can become a better person at your job and do a better job.”
Over his lifetime, Anderson logged more than 7,500 hours of flight time in more than 130 types of aircraft.
Perhaps Anderson and his late friend Chuck Yeager are now forming a squadron together again.