US Air Force Maj Rudolf Anderson: First Air Force Cross Recipient

In October 1962, as the world stood on the brink of nuclear war, Major Rudolf Anderson of the U.S. Air Force undertook one of the most dangerous assignments imaginable, flying unarmed, unescorted U-2 reconnaissance missions over Cuba.

During these high-altitude flights, Major Anderson captured the critical photographic proof of Soviet long-range nuclear missile installations, giving U.S. leaders the evidence they needed to confront the Soviet Union.

On October 27, 1962, the most dangerous day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, Major Anderson’s U-2 was shot down by a surface-to-air missile. He was the only combat fatality of the Cuban Missile Crisis, but his sacrifice may have helped prevent a global nuclear war.

For his extraordinary heroism and superb airmanship, Major Anderson was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross—becoming the first recipient of the award.

Air Force Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Rudolf Anderson, Major, United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Strategic Air Command (SAC), from 15 October 1962 to 27 October 1962. During this period of great national crisis, Major Anderson, flying an unescorted, unarmed aircraft, lost his life while participating in one of several aerial reconnaissance missions over Cuba. While executing these aerial missions, Major Anderson made photographs which provided the United States government with conclusive evidence of the introduction of long-range offensive missiles into Cuba and which materially assisted our leaders in charting the nation's military and diplomatic course. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Anderson reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

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