Rudolf Anderson
Rudolf Anderson | |
|---|---|
Major Rudolf Anderson, USAF | |
| Nickname | Rudy/Andy |
| Born | September 15, 1927 |
| Died | October 27, 1962 (aged 35) Near Banes, Cuba |
| Buried | Woodlawn Memorial Park Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | United States Air Force |
| Service years | 1951–1962 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | 4028th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Strategic Air Command |
| Conflicts | Korean War Cuban Missile Crisis † |
| Awards | Air Force Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Purple Heart Cheney Award |
| Alma mater | Clemson University, B.S. 1948 |
| Spouses | Frances Jane (Corbett) Anderson (1935–1981) |
| Children | 2 sons, 1 daughter |
Rudolf Anderson Jr. (September 15, 1927 – October 27, 1962) was an American Air Force major and pilot. He was the first recipient of the Air Force Cross, the U.S. military's and Air Force's second-highest award and decoration for valor. The only U.S. fatality by enemy fire during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Anderson was killed when his U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down over Cuba. He had previously served in Korea during the Korean War.