Col. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson survived 116 missions during World War II without being hit by fire from an enemy aircraft. This lecture was a rare opportunity to meet this living legend. He recounts his heroic flying experiences in his P-51D Mustang Old Crow in the skies over Western Europe and reflects on his journey from civilian to fighter pilot flying in kill-or-be-killed scenarios. Anderson, the highest-scoring living fighter ace, was called the “best fighter pilot I’ve ever seen" by Chuck Yeager. For his valor, Anderson was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the Air Force Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the French Legion of Honor, and many other awards.

The Charles A. Lindbergh Lecture series is sponsored by Pratt and Whitney.