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Rudolf Anderson
USAF pilot (1927–1962) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the Danish gymnast, see Rudolf Andersen.
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 died when his U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was shot down over Cuba. He had previously served in Korea during the Korean War.
Quick Facts Nickname(s), Born ...
Rudolf Anderson | |
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![]() Major Rudolf Anderson, USAF | |
Nickname(s) | Rudy/Andy |
Born | (1927-09-15)September 15, 1927 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
Died | October 27, 1962(1962-10-27) (aged 35) Near Banes, Cuba |
Buried | Woodlawn Memorial Park Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
Allegiance | ![]() |
Service/ | ![]() |
Years of service | 1951–1962 |
Rank | ![]() |
Unit | 4028th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Strategic Air Command |
Battles/wars | Korean War Cuban Missile Crisis † |
Awards | Air Force Cross Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Purple Heart Cheney Award |
Alma mater | Clemson University, B.S. 1948 |
Spouse(s) | Frances Jane (Corbett) Anderson[1] (1935–1981) |
Children | 2 sons, 1 daughter |
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