Sierra Hotel Blog
Clarence 'Bud' Anderson was a WWII triple ace who flew 116 combat missions over Europe in his P-51 Mustang 'Old Crow,' scoring 16.25 aerial victories with the 357th Fighter Group — and never took a scratch. He went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam, became Chief of Flight Test at Edwards AFB, and was promoted to honorary brigadier general at age 100. He flew west on May 17, 2024, at the age of 102.
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Shot down in Vietnam, severely burned, and told he'd never fly again, SR-71 Blackbird pilot Brian Shul endured 15 major operations before returning to fly the world's fastest jet at Mach 3 and 90,000 feet. Written by aviation historian and longtime friend Cory Crowell, this is a personal account of 30 years alongside one of the most remarkable aviators who ever lived.
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On May 31, 1967, a lone USAF KC-135 Stratotanker crew commanded by Maj. John H. Casteel saved six Navy aircraft over the Gulf of Tonkin — two KA-3 Whales, two F-8 Crusaders, and two F-4 Phantoms — executing the first-ever triple air-to-air refueling in history. Running critically low on fuel themselves, the crew never considered leaving a fellow aviator behind. All four crew members received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Mackay Trophy.
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