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To
All Who Shall See These Presents Greeting:
This is to Certify that
The President of the United States of America
Authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code
Takes Pride in Presenting
THE AIR FORCE CROSS
to
 *ANDERSON, RUDOLPH (KIA)
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Air Force
Cross (Posthumously) to Rudolph Anderson, Major, U.S. 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.
Born: September 15, 1927 at Greenville, South
Carolina
Home Town: Greenville, South Carolina
Personal Awards: Air Force Cross (Cold War), 4@ Distinguished Flying
Crosses, Purple Heart, 2@ Air Medals
(The Air Force Cross was
established on July 6, 1960. The posthumous award to Major
Anderson for his heroism during the Cuban Missile Crisis two years
later made him the FIRST recipient of the Air Force's highest award
for heroism.)
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