Bud Anderson, Last of World War II’s ‘Triple Ace’ Pilots, Dies at 102

Very sad. I got to meet him a few years ago when he signed a copy of his book for me. I told him that I had spent many years in Germany while on active duty in the Army. He said he spent many hours flying over Germany so that I could spend time there later. He was kind, gracious, and very well spoken. All that on top of being a great pilot. If you want to know about his career then I recommend reading his book: "To Fly and Fight." It is a great read!

I met him once. That was an honor. Such a genuine gentleman. Rest well sir.

RIP. There are less of these old vets every year.

I just read this article... So sad to see him go... Another great hero lost... It was men like this who helped keep our nation free! I shed a tear for him and his family. He certainly had a good and long life.

A true American hero. I’m 66 years old and remember many of these WW 2 veterans when I was much younger. Sadly I wasn’t wise enough to appreciate them and learn from them enough. Rest in peace gentleman.

Last of a dying breed! RiP

I solute you sir.

I saw an interview with him on TV. He seemed like a very nice man and had to be one heck of a fighter pilot.

A true hero! RIP

I had the honor of meeting Col Anderson when I worked in Mickey Rupps P51D Old Crow pit during the Reno Races. Col Bud was one of the nicest laid back pilots I have ever known. BTW,after the days racing was over, he loved to hangar fly with all of us in the Old Crow pit!! Col Bud might have have flown West but his legacy will live on forever!! I will never forget him!!!

Outstanding read…cut from the same fabric, Anderson and Yeager epitomize John Gillespie Magee Jr’s sonnet…

“High Flight”

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds,—and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of—wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air ....

Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace

Where never lark nor ever eagle flew—
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

-John Gillespie Magee Jr

RIP Great Pilot

My son and I had the privilege of meeting him at a book signing during one of the EAA Conventions years ago. He chatted with us like we were old friends and put his arm around my son when we took a picture. He asked US if we would like a picture. What a kind, courteous gentleman he was. His book is excellent - highly recommend it.

"single-handedly shot down 16 enemy planes"...? Hmmm. Yes, fighter planes are one-seaters. I don't think he could have NOT have shot the 16 enemy planes other than "single-handedly"... Having said that... any WW2 veteran will tell you that there were no "lone wolves". It was always teamwork. You had your wingman getting your back while you focused on shotting down the enemy. Everyone looked after each other. Teamwork was truly the key to Allied victory.