The Commemorative Air Force remembers the life of Aviation and Military Legend Brig. Gen. Clarence "Bud" Anderson
Dallas, Tx (May 23, 2024) - The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) acknowledges the passing of Brig. Gen. Clarence "Bud" Anderson. Anderson, one of America’s most distinguished military aviators, went west on May 17, 2024, at his home in Auburn, California. He was 102 years old.
Anderson, a true legend in the skies, earned the prestigious designation of 'Triple Ace' after bravely downing 16 German planes during World War II. His remarkable career spanned over 30 years of continuous military service, during which he flew more than 130 different types of aircraft and logged an astounding 7,500 flying hours. As a test pilot, Anderson fearlessly took to the skies in many early models of jet fighters, including highly unusual variants that involved coupling aircraft wingtip to wingtip. His involvement with the parasite fighter project, which saw a small jet fighter carried aloft by a B-36 Peacemaker bomber, further showcased his pioneering spirit and dedication to advancing aviation.
Between two assignments at the Pentagon, Anderson served as wing commander of the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing on Okinawa and in 1970 as wing commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing based in Thailand. When he retired in 1972, then-Col. Anderson had accumulated five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, two Legions of Merit, a Bronze Star, and a Commendation Medal. In 2022, the Air Force promoted him to the honorary rank of brigadier general.
Anderson had special ties to the Commemorative Air Force. Over the years, he was a special guest at many CAF airshows and made himself available for speaking engagements. In 2001, Anderson was inducted into the CAF’s American Combat Airman Hall of Fame.
In July 2022, the CAF Central Texas Wing unveiled a new livery honoring Anderson. The legendary combat pilot famously flew a P-51 Mustang named OLD CROW. But, before that, Anderson flew a P-39 Airacobra. With Anderson's blessing and help from his family, the Central Texas Wing was able to add the "Old Crow" name and livery to the CAF’s P-39. They displayed the P-39's new look to the public at EAA AirVenture. During a special program at Warbirds in Review presentation, Anderson sat between the CAF’s P-39 and a P-51B and a P-51D – all bearing the “Old Crow” livery. Watch Bud Anderson’s response to learning that Central Texas would add the old Crow name to its P-39 Aircraft.
In a video posted by the Central Texas Wing and hosted by CAF Colonel John Cyrier, Anderson said there will never be another time in American history like World War II. “Everybody wanted to know what was going on in the war. Everybody had somebody in the service, and I think, well, you know, they called it the greatest generation, but we were all just doing what we knew we had to do,” said Anderson. “The whole thing of World War II needs to be remembered. It was a different time, and I don't think we'll see it again.”
Blue Skies, and Tailwinds