100 year old WW2 Triple Ace Bud Anderson promoted to General

Celebrated 100 year old WW2 triple ace Cold. Clarence "Bud" Anderson was promoted to honorary rank of brigadier general, Dec. 2, 2022, at the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, California.Show more

US Air Force public affairs covered the event.

Bud is credited with shooting down over 16 enemy planes in World War 2 and is the last surviving triple ace.

Anderson flew 116 combat missions as a fighter pilot with the 357th Fighter Group during WWII. He shot down 16 ¼ enemy aircraft during combat in his P-51 Mustang, earning the title, “triple ace.” The term ‘Ace’ is used to describe a fighter pilot who has been credited with shooting down five enemy aircraft.

The California native is the last American triple-ace from WWII and the oldest living American fighter ace.

Anderson served from 1942 to 1972. Some of his decorations include: two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals and the Bronze Star. After retiring from active duty, Anderson worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

“To all the young people that have the ambition to join the Air Force,” Anderson said. “Have at it! You can be what you want to be and you should know that when you like what you do, you can excel, be a better person at your job to do it better.”

Before the ceremony, Anderson was asked how it feels to receive this honor; he said he was too overwhelmed to answer that question.