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WWII, Vietnam War Hero Clarence Anderson Visits Nellis AFB
by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bryan Guthrie
July 29, 2019
Retired Col. Clarence Anderson, highest scoring living ace,
visited Nellis AFB for a meet and greet with leadership and Airmen
on April 25, 2019 at the Nellis Club.
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Nellis Air Force Base personnel listen to the guest speaker, retired Col. Clarence Anderson, at the Nellis Club on Nellis AFB, Nev., April 25, 2019. Anderson, a World War II and Vietnam War veteran, met Airmen, recalled some of his countless stories and participated in a question and answer session. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryan Guthrie)
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Anderson earned his title of three-time ace for successfully
shooting down 16 adversary aircraft. For every five aircraft he shot
down, he received one ace.
The 30-year veteran of the U.S.
Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force, met Airmen, recalled some of his
countless stories and participated in a Q&A session.
“My
favorite time while flying was my World War II experience,” said
Anderson. “I was in England flying a brand-new P-51 Mustang that had
long range and was very maneuverable.”
During the meet and
greet, Col. Shane Henderson, 57th Maintenance Group commander, asked
Anderson if he could recount a memorable experience he had with his
crew chiefs during his career.
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Col. Ronald Gilbert, 57th Wing vice commander meets with retired Col. Clarence Anderson, World War II and Vietnam War veteran, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., April 25, 2018. Anderson began his career in 1942 after entering in the U.S. Army Aviation cadet program and retired after 30 years of service as a colonel. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryan Guthrie)
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Anderson replied with a story about a time when he jokingly asked
his crew to repaint his aircraft. While it was lifted for heavy
maintenance, Anderson teased that he’d like a natural aluminum paint
scheme on it.
“The next day walking out to my P-51, it sat
out there with a new gleaming aluminum,” said Anderson. “I couldn’t
believe it. The three guys standing there had huge grins on their
faces, but I felt horrible. Their hands were raw from using whatever
they could find to get the old paint off.”
Anderson praised his crew chiefs for their hard work and
dedication.
“I can’t say enough for the crew chiefs of the
world,” said Anderson. “Any pilot out there should pat them on the
back.”
Throughout the Q&A, Nellis Airmen asked Anderson many
questions about his life in and out of the service.
Anderson
recounted how he served two combat tours during World War II. He
flew 116 combat missions, accumulating 480 hours of flight time in
aerial combat. In addition, he destroyed 16 enemy aircraft in aerial
combat and one more on the ground. His achievements earned him 25
decorations, including two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished
Flying Crosses, 16 Air Medals, the Bronze Star and the French Croix
De Guerre. After a long, successful career Anderson retired in 1972.
However, he continued to fly P-51’s until the mid-80s.
Before
his visit was over, Anderson expressed his appreciation for Nellis
and its outstanding Airmen.
“The squadrons I’ve visited are
still young, clean cut Americans doing their job and serving their
country the best they can,” said Anderson. “I’m very proud of them.”
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