To Fly and Fight, An American Life, a new biopic documenting the life and career of World War II triple ace and Vietnam War wing commander Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson, will premiere during AirVenture Oshkosh 2013. The documentary will be shown on Monday, July 29, at 1 p.m. and Saturday, August 3, at 1 p.m. in the EAA AirVenture Museum’s Skyscape Theater.
In addition, Bud Anderson will appear on the Main Plaza Stage at Phillips 66 Plaza on Friday, August 2, at 11 a.m. for a very special presentation hosted by David Hartman. The program is presented by EAA Warbirds of America and Disabled American Veterans, and is a part of the daylong Salute to Veterans activities. An abbreviated trailer of the biopic will be shown, and Bud will be available for questions from the audience.
During WWII, Anderson, of Auburn, California, flew 116 combat missions in P-51 Mustangs, scoring 16.25 kills.
As an Air Force test pilot, he became chief of flight test operations at Edwards Air Force Base and deputy director of flight test. He served two tours at the Pentagon and commanded three fighter organizations. In 1970, he volunteered to return to aerial combat as commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying F-105 Thunderchiefs in Vietnam. Bud Anderson has been decorated 25 times for his service to the United States.
Anderson has been honored by the Fagen Fighters World War II Museum, with a life- size bronze statue outside a replica of the ready room used by Anderson’s 357th Fighter Group – the celebrated Yoxford Boys – at its base, RAF Leiston, England.
New Bud Anderson Biopic to Premiere at AirVenture