As a young man Rudolf Anderson earned the rank of Eagle Scout, from Troop 19 in Greenville, SC, and graduated from Clemson University in 1948. A veteran combat pilot in the Korean War, his actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis earned him the first award of the Air Force Cross (although three World War II pilots were later belatedly awarded Air Force Crosses for their heroism in that war.) Rudolf Anderson was the ONLY casualty suffered by either side in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Sponsored by:
Rudolf
Anderson
, Jr.
KIA (Cold War)
September 15, 1927
–
October 27, 1962
Cemetery:
Woodlawn Memorial Park
Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Air Force Cross
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Rudolf Anderson, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain Rudolf Anderson, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea.
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Air Force Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorRegiment:
4080th Strategic Reconnaissance WingDivision:
Strategic Air CommandAction Date:
October 15 – 27, 1962
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53065), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a U-2 airplane with the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Strategic Air Command (SAC), from 15 October 1962 to 27 October 1962. During this period of great national crisis, Major Anderson, flying an unescorted, unarmed aircraft, lost his life while participating in one of several aerial reconnaissance missions over Cuba. While executing these aerial missions, Major Anderson made photographs which provided the United States government with conclusive evidence of the introduction of long-range offensive missiles into Cuba and which materially assisted our leaders in charting the nation’s military and diplomatic course. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Anderson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
Department of the Air Force, Special Orders No. G-120 (November 20, 1962)(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) (Posthumously) to Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. (AFSN: 0-53065), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Anderson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.