Rudolf Anderson

Rudolf Anderson
Major Rudolf Anderson, USAF
Nickname(s)	Rudy/Andy
Born	(1927-09-15)September 15, 1927 Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	October 27, 1962(1962-10-27) (aged 35) Near Banes, Cuba
Buried	Woodlawn Memorial Park Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	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.