Veterans
World War II triple ace laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery
Stars and Stripes
March 31, 2026
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson sits at his booth during the Wings Over Solano event at Travis Air Force Base, California, in May 2022. (Alexander Merchak/U.S. Air Force)
The last surviving World War II triple ace was laid to rest Monday with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.
More than 100 people gathered to honor retired Air Force Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, one of the most distinguished fighter pilots in American history, according to a service news release.
Anderson, who died at 102 in May 2024, joins his wife of nearly 70 years, Eleanor Cosby, who was buried in 2015.
“In life, Bud Anderson honored the flag with his service to the nation; now, it is our honor to present our nation’s flag in honorable and faithful service,” said U.S. Air Force Chaplain Andrew Lloyd.
Anderson was commissioned in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942 during World War II. He served two tours with the USAAF’s 363rd Fighter Squadron, flying P-51 Mustangs that escorted heavy bombers. He flew 116 individual combat missions that resulted in 16¼ kills, which earned him “triple ace” status.
After the war ended he remained in the USAAF and then the Air Force, when it became an independent service. Overall, as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and combat and operational commander, Anderson logged over 7,500 flight hours and flew more than 130 types of aircraft. His decorations include five Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Legion of Merits, 16 Air Medals, and the French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre.