“To Fly and Fight, An American Life”, a new biopic documenting the life and career of WWII Triple Ace and Viet Nam War Wing Commander Col. C.E. “Bud” Anderson. The film is a co-production of Sleeping Dog Productions, Inc., the multi-award winning producers of aviation television documentaries for Military Channel, Outdoor Channel and others, and the Fagen Fighters WW II Museum of Granite Falls, MN.
Fagen Fighters WWII Museum is home to a pristine collection of fully operational, active aircraft and vehicles from World War II. Also featured are fine art, bronze sculptures, interactive multimedia displays, and an ever-growing library. The facility is designed as a self guided experience, and gives a rare look into the lives and legacy of the Greatest Generation.
Piloting P-51 Mustangs in WWII, Anderson, of Auburn, CA, flew 116 combat missions, scoring 16.25 kills. Fighter pilots called Anderson “The best fighter pilot they have ever seen.” As an Air Force test pilot, he became Chief of Flight Test Operations at Edwards Air Force Base and Deputy Director of Flight Test. He served two tours at the Pentagon and commanded three fighter organizations. In 1970, he volunteered to return to aerial combat as commander of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying F-105 Thunderchiefs in Viet Nam. Bud Anderson has been decorated 25 times for his service to the United States of America.
Will Foard, WWII fighter pilot, remembering his brother Gilbert, a B-17 tail gunner shot down and killed during a bombing run over Czechoslovakia. With a little serendipity mixed with destiny, a restored P-51D Mustang brings together two proud owners with a World War II veteran fighter pilot. While fate introduced the Dickson family to Lt. Colonel Will Foard, restoration experts at Vintage Airframes, Morgan Aircraft Restorations, and Roush Aviation created the masterpiece that would serve as the catalyst. The result of determined efforts and pure happenstance culminated in a heartwarming reunion.
Dick Cole Documentary "One Hundred Years A Hero" Trailer
To Fly and Fight - C.E. Bud Anderson
Will Foard - WWII Fighter Pilot