Gen. Dan Caine, 22nd chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took a moment to share how the Joint Forces participated in the burial of Anderson during the Pentagon press briefing Tuesday morning.
Caine explained that Anderson was honored with a flyover combining modern F-35s and World War II-era P-51s.
Anderson died at the age of 102 in May 2024 and was laid to rest next to Eleanor Anderson, his wife of 70 years.
Throughout his 30-year career, Anderson flew over 130 different aircraft, contributed to the development of early jet fighters, and flew 116 combat missions in his P-51 Mustang, nicknamed “Old Crow.” He logged more than 7,500 flying hours with more than 480 combat hours.
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Anderson earned numerous accolades, including two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star, and 16 Air Medals. In 2022, he was honorarily promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
“For anyone who had the chance to meet Col. Anderson, you knew what an incredibly special man he was,” Caine said.
