Col Bud Anderson Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Colonel Clarence 'Bud' Anderson, the U.S. Air Force's highest-scoring living fighter ace and a triple-ace with 16.25 confirmed aerial victories, was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in March 2026 at the age of 102. The ceremony honored a life defined by unmatched courage, precision, and longevity—flying 116 combat missions in WWII without a single mechanical failure or battle damage, later commanding in Korea and Vietnam, and test-flying over 130 aircraft types. The tribute included two historic flyovers: F-35s symbolizing modern air dominance and P-51 Mustangs—two named Old Crow—in homage to his legendary WWII service. His legacy wasn’t just in kills, but in resilience, humility, and a quiet devotion to duty, as seen in his 70-year marriage and daily visits to his wife in her final years. A personal call from Anderson to the podcast host just years before his death underscores the profound impact of a man who lived a life few could imagine—flying through three wars, mastering four generations of jets, and leaving behind a playbook for excellence in the sky and beyond.