Remembering the Late WWII Triple Ace Bud Anderson

After the war, the legendary aviator became a test pilot, flying more than 130 different aircraft.

Friday, May 24, 2024 at 04:27 PM ET

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Clarence ’Bud’ Anderson, a pilot of the 357th Fighter Group, with his P-51 Mustang in March 1944. [Courtesy: American Air Museum in Britain]

Key Takeaways:

Brigadier General Clarence "Bud" Anderson, a "triple ace" who shot down 16 enemy aircraft in WWII, passed away at 102.
His extensive 30-year aviation career included serving as a test pilot for over 130 different aircraft and holding command positions in the Pacific.
Anderson was a highly decorated officer and a beloved figure on the airshow circuit, best remembered for flying his P-51 Mustang, "Old Crow."

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The aviation world is a less colorful place today as Brigadier General Clarence “Bud” Anderson has died.

Anderson, a “triple ace” who shot down 16 enemy aircraft during World War II, died at his home in Auburn, California, on May 17. He was 102.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.