Bud Anderson, Last of WWII’s ‘Triple Ace’ Pilots, Dies at 102

Brigadier General Bud Anderson, renowned as the last surviving triple ace pilot of World War II, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 102, at his residence in Auburn, California.

General Anderson achieved distinction during World War II by personally downing 16 German aircraft while piloting P-51 Mustang propeller fighters, affectionately named Old Crow after his preferred brand of whiskey.

He completed 116 missions, totaling approximately 480 hours of combat without aborting a single sortie.

Throughout his remarkable 30-year military career, General Anderson flew over 130 different aircraft, accumulating an impressive 7,500 hours of flight time.

Despite his illustrious combat record, he retired from active duty as a colonel in 1972, having earned numerous accolades including two Legion of Merit citations, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and 16 Air Medals.

General Anderson’s wartime exploits were not confined to World War II; he also served in the Vietnam War, where he commanded a tactical fighter wing and completed 25 missions in an F-105 Thunderchief named Old Crow II.

His missions involved bombing enemy supply routes along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions to the United States Air Force, General Anderson was honored with the title of honorary brigadier general by General Charles Q. Brown Jr., the Air Force chief of staff, in December 2022.

General Brown praised him as a “wrecking ball of a guy,” highlighting his significant impact on military aviation.

In addition to his military achievements, General Anderson was a devoted husband to Eleanor Cosby until her passing in 2015. He is survived by his son, James, his daughter, Kathryn Burlington, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

General Bud Anderson’s legacy as a fearless and skilled aviator, exemplifying the highest standards of courage and dedication, will forever be remembered and celebrated by the aviation community and the nation as a whole.