Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, one of the last surviving World War II triple aces, passed away Friday, May 17th, at his home in Auburn, California. He was 102 at the time of his death. This California native’s love of flying began in the 1920s, watching the planes fly over his family’s farm. After entering the Army Air Corps, Bud began an exhilarating career as a pilot, furthering his passion, and making his mark on history as a famous, ‘Triple Ace.’
For Bud Anderson, the Journey to ‘Triple Ace’ Started Young
Bud Anderson was born on January 13, 1922 in Oakland, California. Before joining the military, Bud acquired his pilot license while in college at 19 years old.
After hearing word that WWII had begun, Anderson enlisted in 1942. He was commissioned to a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces shortly after. He resided in the United States for a few years before going overseas to England.
While in England, he was assigned to the 357th Fighter Group. This is where Bud began piloting P-51 Mustangs. During the first 5 months of piloting, he shot down 5 German planes. This earned him the honor of “ace.” Continuing to rise through the ranks, Anderson would soon reach ‘triple ace’ status after flying 116 missions and winning several dog fights.
Anderson made 16 and a quarter kills, having the third-highest number of enemy aircraft kills in his fighter group. Eventually, Anderson logged over 7,500 flight hours. He piloted 130 different types of aircrafts.
He retired from service in 1972 as a colonel. After retirement, Col. Bud Anderson became the manager of the McDonnell’s Aircraft Company’s test facility at Edwards Air Force Base.
What Does it Mean to be an ‘Ace Pilot’?
An ace pilot, also known as “an American Fighter Ace,” refers to an individual who served as a fighter pilot in the military. They can also be a pilot who served in a nation not at war with the United States. However, they must have also destroyed five or more enemy aircraft during combat.
Currently, there are 1,447 pilots who have been given the honor of being classified as a “Fighter Ace.” These pilots played a significant role during WWII, defending the nation, saved lives, and ultimately bringing an end to the wars that they served in. During WWII, and through Vietnam, around 1,447 pilots took to the skies and secured the designation of an “ace pilot.” As a whole, ace pilots make up only 5% of all combat pilots; however, they have claimed around one-third of all WWII air victories.
The requirements for becoming an ace pilot began in World War I. This is where aircraft were just beginning to play a significant role in war. During WWI, weaponry was limited, so pistols were often used and held by pilots to deter the enemy.
By the end of WWI, the ace pilots were given the name, “knights of the sky,” due to their nobility during war. Their bravery and passion secured their recognition in households across America, igniting a drive and passion in future generations of pilots.
Becoming a ‘Triple Ace’ In a Day: Requirements & Noteworthy Mentions
Bud Anderson isn’t one of the only ‘Triple Ace’ pilots who made a lasting impact. Here are some notable mentions that became a “Triple Ace in a day.”
- Hans-Joachim Marseille: Hans-Joachim secured this honor on September 1, 1942 by shooting down 17 Allied fighters in three sorties over North Africa.
- August Lambert: Lambert shot down 17 Soviet aircraft in 1944.
- Emil Lang: Lang was a fighter pilot who shot down 18 Soviet fighters on November 3, 1943. He shot down the largest number of planes in history.
- Wilhelm Batz: Batz took down 15 Soviet aircraft on May 31, 1944, becoming a famous ‘Triple Ace’ pilot.
- Hubert Strassl: Strassl is the last pilot on this list who took down 15 Soviet aircraft on May 31, 1944.
Honoring the Legacy of Bud Anderson and Other Triple Aces In WW2
Bud Anderson’s legacy, and the contributions of the ‘Triple Ace’ fighter pilots, will continue to be remembered as an integral part of history. Flying over 7,000 hours for the Air Force, Bud received a number of awards for his service. These awards include: a Distinguished Flying Cross, a National Defense Service Medal, an Air Medal, and a Bronze Star.
After the service, Bud received recognition in halls across the country, such as the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Interested in learning more about Bud’s life and his experiences? His memoir, “To Fly and Fight: Memoirs of a Triple Ace” provides a detailed account of his experiences as a pilot, and shares his contributions to military aviation history. You can also check out Bud’s official, personal website, “To Fly and Fight,” where you can watch interviews, listen to his audiobook, and learn more about the aircraft that he flew in.
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