Today, we have lost a legend, an American icon. The passing of one of our greatest WWII aces leaves us mourning the loss of an honorable and exceptional man. Brigadier General Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson made the most of his one lifetime, and we are fortunate to have had our lives touched by his. Bud, as everyone affectionately called him, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 102.
We honor the tremendous legacy of Bud Anderson. Please take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we have been to know such a treasure to humanity.
The passing of a legend often leaves us grappling with the question of why, as we tend to think of legends as immortal. Mourning a legend is different from grieving a family member or a close friend. While the latter leaves a significant void in personal lives, Bud Anderson was unique. He was not just an icon but also an integral part of our Warbird family.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
I met this Legend and Chuck Yeager at an airshow in Florida. I happened to take a Hamilton Collection Warbird plate with me that had the Old Crow on it and Bud’s info. I was thrilled to see him and get it signed! God Bless you Bud.
I love World War 2 aviation.
I met Bud Anderson at Oshkosh several times. He was and still is a class act! I always enjoyed meeting him and talking with him too.
I had the priviledge in 2003 to be part of the ceremony when Bud and Chuck Yeager received their French Legion of Honor, I was their translator as they did not understand french, so I translated all the comments in french, hard job done with great pleasure for three days !
Wonderfull memories of Bud and Chuck, great pilots and nice gentlemen !