BIOGRAPHY for CLARENCE "BUD" ANDERSON JR, WWII VETERAN
Proudly Served Our Country and Still Serving Our Community
“Bud” Anderson was born January 13, 1922, in Oakland, California, and was raised on a farm near Newcastle, California. He was introduced to aviation at the age of seven when his father took him to a small dirt airfield where he took his first flight in an American Standard biplane. Bud recalls that it was intoxicating, exciting, and a little frightening. In 1941, at the age of 19, Anderson learned to fly through the Civilian Pilot Training Program while attending college. He entered the U.S. Army Aviation Cadet Program in January 1942 and earned his wings and commission in September 1942.
Anderson, who was decorated 26 times for his military service, proudly served his country for 30 years through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. His awards include two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, sixteen Air Medals, the Bronze Star, the French Legion of Honor, and the French Croix De Guerre, as well as many campaign and service ribbons.
Anderson, the last living Triple Fighter Ace (pilots with 15 or more victories in the air), began his military career escorting heavy bombers over Europe in the P-51 Mustang during World War II. He served two combat tours during the War with the 357th Fighter Group, 363rd Fighter Squadron, 8th Air Force (USAAF), flying 116 missions in 480 hours and destroying more than 16 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and one more on the ground. As lead of his squadron, Anderson was promoted to Major at the age of 22, a young age even for a highly effective officer in wartime.
After the War, Anderson became a well-regarded fighter test pilot starting with cold weather testing of the F-82 and continuing with testing many models of early jet aircraft. He was involved with some very unusual flight test programs including the first experimental flights to couple aircraft together at the wing tips while in flight. The purpose of the test, Project Tip-Tow, was to prove the concept of increasing the range of an aircraft by attaching free floating panels that would carry fuel to the wing tips. Later, in 1952, Anderson participated in flight tests to develop a parasite jet fighter that would be carried by the long-range B-36 Bomber, Project FICON (Fighter Conveyor).The recon fighter would drop from the mother ship, conduct a highspeed photo mission and then return to hook onto the bomber’s retractable trapeze. Although the program was successful, Strategic Air Command (SAC) elected not to use it, since inflight refueling became common during that period. From 1957 through 1965, Anderson served as Chief of Flight Test Operations and later as Deputy Director of Flight Test at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base. He has flown over 130 different types of aircraft and has logged nearly 10,000 flying hours.
After the Korean War, Anderson served as Director of Operations for the 58th Fighter-Bomber Group and commanded the 69th F-86 Squadron. Upon returning home from Korea, “Bud” resumed experimental flying at Edwards Air Force Base piloting the “Century Series” fighters as well as numerous other aircraft.
Anderson later served as Commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing during the Vietnam War where he flew the F-105 in bombing strikes against enemy supply lines.
When he retired in February 1972, Bud had completed 30 years on active duty. Shortly afterward he joined McDonnell Aircraft as manager of the company’s Edwards AFB test facility, focusing on the new F-15 program.
9/10/2019, JDW
