Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson, America’s Last Living Triple Ace, Dies at 102
Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson, the legendary fighter pilot who single-handedly shot down 16 German planes over Europe in World War II, passed away on Friday at his home in Auburn, Calif. He was 102 years old.
General Anderson, known for his exceptional flying skills and bravery in combat, was America’s last living triple ace, a title given to pilots who have shot down 15 or more enemy aircraft. His remarkable career spanned over 30 years of military service, during which he flew more than 130 types of aircraft and logged some 7,500 hours in the air.
During World War II, General Anderson piloted P-51 Mustang propeller fighters, which he affectionately named Old Crow, after his favorite brand of whiskey. He flew 116 missions totaling 480 hours of combat without aborting a single mission, earning him a reputation as a skilled and fearless pilot.
General Anderson’s decorations included two Legion of Merit citations, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and 16 Air Medals. He was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general by the Air Force chief of staff in 2022, who described him as a “wrecking ball of a guy.”
General Anderson’s combat achievements were not only impressive but also crucial in the war effort. He scored the third-highest number of kills in the Army Air Forces’ 357th Fighter Group, which played a significant role in downing nearly 700 German aircraft, mostly while protecting American bombers on missions over Europe.
Teaming up with the renowned Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager, General Anderson and his squadron mate downed numerous enemy planes. General Yeager, who later became the first pilot to break the sound barrier, praised General Anderson’s skills in the air while also highlighting his kindness on the ground.
Despite his success in combat, General Anderson viewed war as “stupid and wasteful, not glorious.” He believed in promoting better understanding among nations while maintaining strength and negotiation power.
General Anderson’s legacy as a triple ace and pioneering test pilot will be remembered for generations to come. His dedication to serving his country and his exceptional flying abilities have left an indelible mark on the history of aviation and military service.
