LaMalfa, McClintock celebrate promotion of Colonel Bud Anderson to Brigadier General in U.S. Air Force
Colonel Clarence (Bud) E. Anderson of Auburn, California, received an honorary promotion to the grade of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. General Anderson was decorated 25 times during his 30-year military service including two Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the French Legion of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre and is WWII ‘Triple ACE’ fighter pilot. General Anderson flew 116 combat missions with the 357th Fighter Group when he destroyed more than 16 enemy aircraft in aerial combat over Europe. He also served in combat in the Vietnam War, where he commanded the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. Anderson is well regarded as a test pilot, member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal for American Fighter ACEs. Despite retiring from the Air Force in 1972, Anderson has remained devoted to aviation, has become a published author and is a sought-out guest speaker.
Earlier this year, Congressmen Doug LaMalfa and Tom McClintock asked the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, to consider this promotion. General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, presided over the Honorary Promotion Ceremony at the Aerospace Museum of California in Sacramento, California.
“I have been honored to call Bud my friend for more than a decade,” LaMalfa said. “I always enjoy talking with Bud about aircraft and flying, and listening to him recount dogfights on his combat missions. His courage in wartime and his distinguished service has made him a national hero, and proves how deserving he is for this honorary promotion. Although I could not be with him in person to celebrate this achievement due to Congressional business in D.C., I extend my best to General Bud Anderson and his family as they celebrate this historic moment.”
“Whether in 60 seconds or 60 hours, it’s impossible to do justice to the heroism, patriotism and service that defines the life of Bud Anderson,” said McClintock. “God bless you, General Anderson. Congratulations on your honorary promotion to brigadier general. Thank you from a grateful nation.”
