Clarence E. Anderson(1922-2024)
He was the last surviving triple ace pilot of WWII. An ace is an aviator credited with downing five or more enemy planes. He had 16 "kills", so he earned the title three times. He received two awards of the Legion of Merit, five awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal and 16 awards of the Air Medal during his flying career.
He enlisted in the Army Air Forces six weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was stationed in England, and was one of the first pilots to fly the P-51 Mustang. During two tours in Europe, he flew 116 missions.
After WWII, he became a military test pilot, serving as chief of fighter operations at what is now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. He commanded a fighter squadron in Korea and a tactical fighter wing during the Vietnam War.
He enlisted in the Army Air Forces six weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was stationed in England, and was one of the first pilots to fly the P-51 Mustang. During two tours in Europe, he flew 116 missions.
After WWII, he became a military test pilot, serving as chief of fighter operations at what is now Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. He commanded a fighter squadron in Korea and a tactical fighter wing during the Vietnam War.
