ARLINGTON, VA – On March 30, 2026, a final salute echoed across Arlington National Cemetery as the remains of Col. (Ret.) Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, the last surviving “triple ace” fighter pilot of World War II, were laid to rest. More than 100 mourners gathered to honor a man whose courage in the skies over Europe became a symbol of American valor and whose life after service was dedicated to preserving the memory of a generation that answered the call to duty. Anderson, who passed away at the age of 102, was interred in Section 38, joining his wife of nearly 70 years, Eleanor “Ellie” Cosby, who was buried there in 2015.
The service was a powerful display of military tradition and a poignant tribute to a life lived in service to the nation. A double flyover – a formation of four modern F-35 Lightning II fighters followed by four vintage P-51 Mustangs, including two painted in the distinctive markings of Anderson’s famed “Old Crow” – filled the sky with a roar that spanned generations of American air power. The procession continued with a horse-drawn caisson carrying Anderson’s urn to its final resting place, accompanied by the solemn volleys of an Air Force firing party, the mournful sound of Taps, and the stirring strains of “Amazing Grace” played on the bagpipes.
The ceremony wasn’t just a military spectacle; it was a deeply personal farewell. U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Andrew Lloyd, presiding over the service, remarked, “In life, Bud Anderson honored the flag with his service to the nation; now, It’s our honor to present our nation’s flag in honorable and faithful service.” The carefully folded American flag was presented to Anderson’s son, Jim, who then passed it to his sister, Katherine “Kitty” Burlington, a gesture of shared grief and remembrance. “We’re sharing it,” Jim explained, a simple statement that spoke volumes about the close bond within the family.
From California Farm to European Skies
Clarence “Bud” Anderson’s journey to becoming an aviation icon began not in a cockpit, but on a farm in California during the 1920s. He developed a fascination with airplanes as he watched them fly overhead, a childhood wonder that would shape his life. He earned his private pilot’s license in 1941, at the age of 19, and shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps Aviation Cadet Program in January 1942, receiving his commission later that year.
Anderson’s wartime service was nothing short of extraordinary. Flying the P-51 Mustang with the 363rd Fighter Squadron, he completed two tours of combat duty, escorting heavy bombers over Europe and contributing significantly to Allied air supremacy. He flew 116 combat missions and was credited with 16 ¼ aerial victories, earning him the coveted status of “triple ace” – a pilot who has shot down at least five enemy aircraft. According to the American Fighter Aces Association, a pilot must be credited with five or more aerial victories to be considered an ace. American Fighter Aces Association
But Anderson’s military career didn’t end with the war. He remained in the Army, and later the Air Force, established as an independent branch in 1947, continuing to serve as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and commander. Over his decades of service, he logged more than 7,500 flight hours in over 130 different aircraft. His dedication was recognized with numerous awards, including five Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legion of Merits, and 16 Air Medals, as well as the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre.
A Legacy Beyond the Cockpit
Retiring from the Air Force in 1972 didn’t mean Anderson retired from service. He became a dedicated ambassador for the World War II generation, sharing his experiences and honoring the sacrifices of his comrades. He published his memoir in 1990, bringing the realities of aerial combat to life for a latest generation, and became a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with his stories of courage and camaraderie.
His son, Jim, who followed in his father’s footsteps by attending the Air Force Academy and serving in Vietnam before becoming a commercial airline pilot, recalled the impact of his father’s legacy. “When I was in the Air Force, I tried to keep it a secret who my father was because I wanted to create [my career] my own. But eventually people would find out,” he said, acknowledging the inevitable recognition that came with being the son of a legend.
Even into his 90s, Anderson continued to embrace his passion for flight. In 2022, at the age of 100, he took his final flight as a passenger in a P-51 Mustang during an aviation convention, a fitting tribute to a lifetime spent among the clouds.
A Family Remembered
Beyond his distinguished military career, Anderson was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His children, Jim and Kitty, shared cherished memories of a man who instilled in them a love of the outdoors and a strong sense of family. He taught them to hunt, fish, and play basketball, and even built a makeshift cockpit out of a cardboard box for young Jim, fueling his son’s imagination. Kitty recalled her father’s unwavering devotion to her mother, visiting her every day after she moved into a nursing home, always bringing a small gift to brighten her day. “I really admired that he was so loyal to her,” she said.
Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, summed up Anderson’s enduring impact: “‘Bud’ Anderson is a hero and legend in air combat; he wrote the playbook. He mastered his craft, flew with immense courage and leaves a legacy of service that will inspire generations.”
As the nation mourns the loss of a true American hero, his legacy will continue to soar, reminding us of the courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit of the Greatest Generation. The Air Force will continue to honor Anderson’s memory through its historical programs and educational initiatives, ensuring that his story is passed down to future generations.
For those interested in learning more about the history of World War II and the contributions of the U.S. Air Force, resources are available through the Arlington National Cemetery Education Program here and a self-guided U.S. Air Force Walking Tour here.
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