Clarence "Bud" Anderson has passed away

[LegendaryWings]

Rest in peace and blue skies! He was one of my heroes.

[Stoney]

A true gentleman, met him at Oshkosh.

[DH82EH]

All I've ever heard of him is exactly what Stoney said.
High class man.
Was fortunate enough to see him at the gathering of Mustangs and legends.
Blue skies and tailwinds sir.
Much respect.

[OD/NG]

Sad day, RIP General. Anderson was a class act and a very humble man - completely opposite and diametrically opposed to his squadron mate, Yeager. I had the pleasure of spending time with both men over the years and I always enjoyed talking to Anderson - he was much more personable than Yeager.

With Anderson's death, does anybody know who the highest tally living American Ace is? There can't be many left by now, unfortunately.

[Lynn Allen]

RIP Gen. Anderson and blue skies. Thank you for your service...

[phil65]

Both are go now...

I remember at Reno 2021, I walked into the National Aviation Heritage Invitational area. There was a small desk set up to the left of me and two guys sitting behind it. I figured they were just selling a book or something, but it was no other than Bud Anderson and Dick Rutan. The fact that only one other person was talking to them, blew me away. I wasn't wearing a mask, but Dick said I could get a picture of them both as long as I wasn't wearing one. Two of the nicest guys I've ever met. They made that trip to Reno extra rememberable, thank you..

Blue skies...

Phil

[Adam Kline]

What blows me away is that there are only six replies to this post. The guy was sharp as a tack even at 100. I guess if your a nice guy no one comments, but if your Yeager/Boyington everyone jumps to dog pile the bad attitude guy. Anderson was a class act and the fact he survived as long as he did is astonishing as well.

[Warbird Kid]

Alot of WIX users are on Facebook, where it is a bit easier to respond and discuss. But I will add to this post here. I never got the chance to meet Bud, but through watching his many interviews over the years, he seems like he was a real gentlemen. Through and through. Blue skies sir.

[Firebird]

Sad day, RIP General. Anderson was a class act and a very humble man - completely opposite and diametrically opposed to his squadron mate, Yeager. I had the pleasure of spending time with both men over the years and I always enjoyed talking to Anderson - he was much more personable than Yeager.

Yes, met them both very briefly at Nellis in '97 when they flew a recreation of their final WW2 pairs flight, in 2 x P-51D's marked as their old mounts. Amazing thing to see, over 50 years after the event.
But, yes, Yeager was well, Yeager, and Bud was a real gent.

[JohnB]

I haven't responded because there isn't much to say.
One if the greatest of "The Greatest Generation".

I have already related my story here about meeting him at an air show in Lewiston, Idaho in 2019. It featured a display of Mustang models (A,B,C,D,H, A-36) including a Jack Roush's B in his markings.
He gave a great talk. I was among the last in line to get my book signed.
He asked what I did, and I told him I'm a retired USAF officer.
He said " Thank you for your service'.
I was dumbfounded....
I could only reply, "You're the ace, the war hero, and you're thanking ME?".

That pretty much sums it up.
Not much to add when you come face to face with a man like that.
RIP, Sir.