Major rudolf anderson

Major Rudolf Anderson

By 17beebc

  • Military

    Military
    Rudolf Anderson enlisted into the United States Air Force a year after the Cold war had begun.

  • Graduation

    Graduation
    Anderson graduated from being a student pilot.

  • Korea

    Korea
    Anderson served in Korea, flying reconnaissance missions in Korea and Japan in a Rf-86 Saberjet recon aircraft taking surveillance photos for the U.S.

  • Larson AFB

    Larson AFB
    Anderson was stationed at Larson AFB, Washington flying a Rf-84 Thunderflash that was used for reconnaissance that could also be used as a light bomber

  • Secret Misson

    Secret Misson
    Major Anderson Rudolf flew a plain In the first secret mission of the Cuban Missile Crisis that confirmed that the soviet union was placing missiles in Cuba

  • Cuban Missile Crisis

    Cuban Missile Crisis
    Major Anderson took off in U-2A from a forward operating location at McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando, Florida, and was shot down near Banes, Cuba. Two surface-to-air missiles rocketed into the sky near the eastern port city of Banes. One exploded near the U-2. Shrapnel pierced the cockpit along with Anderson’s pressurized flight suit and helmet, likely killing him instantly. The U-2 plunged 72,000 feet to the tropical island below. Target number 33 was destroyed.

  • Rewards

    Rewards
    Air Force Cross, Air Force Distinguished Service, Purple Heart, Cheney Award