By Barbara A. Schmitz
Hundreds gathered around Old Crow Tuesday to learn about the man who once flew the P-51 and pay tribute to one of America’s greatest heroes, even though Brig. Gen. Bud Anderson never considered himself a hero.
Bud died in his sleep this past May. He was 102 years old.
He was known particularly well by EAA’s Warbirds family, as year after year he presented at the annual Warbirds in Review, talking not just about the P-51, but also about his life as a triple ace in World War II. In fact, during the war he was the highest-scoring flying ace in his P-51 squadron.
Connie Bowlin, who flew with Bud many times and founded Warbirds in Review, said the program was a tribute to a friend and WWII hero who always had time for others, especially children. “I’m energized by all of you as we celebrate this life well-lived,” she said.
In a short video presented during the memorial, Bud told the tale of how his P-51 got its Old Crow name. “I tell my nondrinking friends that it’s because a crow is one of the most intelligent birds that flies in the sky,” he said, before admitting that it’s named after the straight bourbon whiskey brand.
Today, there are two flying Mustangs named Old Crow.
Friend Jack Roush of Roush Aviation said Warbirds in Review will never be the same without Bud here.
“I hold Bud up as an example of what a true patriot means to the generations that follow,” Jack said. “Bud demonstrated his unselfish nature … through the repeated recommendation of other aces, overshadowing his own accomplishments. He set a high standard not only for aviators, but also to the patriots and citizenry that he helped to preserve and defend during the war.”
Jim Hagedorn, who bought Old Crow from Jack, recalled one of the most difficult things he ever had to tell Bud. That is, he couldn’t fly Old Crow anymore.
“He was getting up in age and starting to forget things … and insurance wasn’t cheap,” Jim said. Instead, Bud flew with instructors in two-seat airplanes after that.
Ray Fowler said it is special to fly any Mustang. “But to fly Old Crow with all of its history and to know Bud Anderson …” It’s clear that would be extra special.
The memorial ended with military honors, including a ceremonial folding and flag presentation. Connie will present the flag to Bud’s family in California next week.
In addition, Bud will be further honored with a missing man tribute during Friday’s warbirds show.