(Gray News) – Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, the last of the American World War II triple aces, died at his home in Auburn, California, on Friday, his family said. He was 102.

In a statement on his website, his family said he “passed away in his home peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family. We were blessed to have him as our father. Dad lived an amazing life and was loved by many.”

The California native, born in Oakland, was also the oldest living American fighter ace, the Air Force said.

Anderson served in two combat tours during World War II, in the P-51 Mustang, November 1943 through January 1945, according to his biography. He flew 116 combat missions, destroying 16 and 1/4 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and another on the ground. Anderson flew in the 357th Fighter Group and was the highest scoring ace in the squadron.

The term “ace” generally means any fighter pilot who has been credited with shooting down five or more aircraft.

Anderson served from 1942 to 1972. His awards include two Legion of Merits, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, 16 Air Medals, the French Legion of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre, as well as many other ribbons.

He had an extensive test pilot career, flying many early models of jet fighters. In his 30 years of military service, Anderson flew more than 130 types of aircraft, logging more than 7,500 hours in the air.

Anderson worked at the F-15 test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California, after retiring from the military.

He was promoted to the honorary rank of brigadier general in 2022 by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. At the ceremony, Anderson encouraged young people to follow their dreams.

“To all the young people that have the ambition to join the Air Force,” Anderson said. “Have at it! You can be what you want to be and you should know that when you like what you do, you can excel, be a better person at your job to do it better.”

He is survived by two children, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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