(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Colonel Clarence (Bud) E. Anderson of Auburn, California, received an honorary promotion to the grade of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force. General Anderson was decorated 25 times during his 30-year military service including two Legions of Merit, Bronze Star, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, the French Legion of Honor and the French Croix de Guerre and is WWII ‘Triple ACE’ fighter pilot. General Anderson flew 116 combat missions with the 357th Fighter Group when he destroyed more than 16 enemy aircrafts in aerial combat over Europe. He also served in combat in the Vietnam War, where he commanded the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. General Anderson is well regarded as a test pilot, member of the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal for American Fighter ACE’s. Despite retiring from the Air Force in 1972, General Anderson has remained devoted to aviation, has become a published author, and is a sought-out guest speaker.