Rudolf Anderson | |
|---|---|
 Major Rudolf Anderson, USAF | |
| Nickname(s) | Rudy/Andy |
| Born | September 15, 1927 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | October 27, 1962 (aged 35) Near Banes, Cuba |
| Buried | Woodlawn Memorial Park Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1951–1962 |
| Rank |  Major |
| 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 |
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.
- ^ "Downed U2 Pilot's Funeral Set Today". Spokesman-Review. Spokane, Washington. Associated Press. November 6, 1962. Page 3, columns 1-2. Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Google News.