Rudolf Anderson was the first recipient of the Air Force Cross. It’s been speculated that Anderson’s sacrifice during the Cuban Missile Crisis may have saved millions.
Great story, as usual. A little known sacrifice made by a real patriot. Kennedy was an inspirational leader, who, despite his personal flaws and political miscalculations (such as those related to our involvement in Vietnam) which have been widely discussed in the years since his death, gave voice to the aspirations of an entire generation.
This was an incredibly scary time. College classmates of mine who were reservists were immediately called up as were all members of the reserve throughout the nation. This was something which had never happened before or since. Information was scarce but not so scarce we didn't know we were on the brink of a global nuclear disaster. Many of us felt naked and helpless. Confrontation with a Soviet ship carrying armament for Cuba was imminent and when the ship finally turned around the sigh of relief across America was palpable. There was little or no mention of Rudolf Anderson's impact or sacrifice. The entire incident was one which shaped our nation's character for many years to come. The Air Force Cross was well deserved and may Major Rudolf Anderson rest in peace.
This story is bringing back memories of those " duck and cover" drills while in school. Thankful for Rudolf Anderson's heroism and courage that didn't require me to seek protection under my school desk.
In so many of these epic battles for civilization, seems we just barely lucked out. So close we have come to disaster. Which shows how crucially important it is to always be at our best.
Major Rudolf Anderson is an American Hero whose demise unwittingly may have prevented Armageddon. The shooting down of Major Andersons U-2 spy plane caused a very tense tightwire of potential nuclear war to unravel and for more rational people to negotiate a settlement, stopping the nuclear showdown.
I wonder what happened to Russian Lt. General Grechco who ordered the U-2 to be shot down.
God bless Major Anderson for his sacrifice and God bless Presidents Kennedy and Khrushchev for negotiating a peaceful settlement.
As always a wonderful story of a heroic American who put it all “ on the line “ to save others ! If he hadn’t done his job we would have had WW 3 at our door !!!
The memories of this incident are alive and well. Not everyone realized how dire this situation was. Thank you again for another visit into our history.
Great story, as usual. A little known sacrifice made by a real patriot. Kennedy was an inspirational leader, who, despite his personal flaws and political miscalculations (such as those related to our involvement in Vietnam) which have been widely discussed in the years since his death, gave voice to the aspirations of an entire generation.
This was an incredibly scary time. College classmates of mine who were reservists were immediately called up as were all members of the reserve throughout the nation. This was something which had never happened before or since. Information was scarce but not so scarce we didn't know we were on the brink of a global nuclear disaster. Many of us felt naked and helpless. Confrontation with a Soviet ship carrying armament for Cuba was imminent and when the ship finally turned around the sigh of relief across America was palpable. There was little or no mention of Rudolf Anderson's impact or sacrifice. The entire incident was one which shaped our nation's character for many years to come. The Air Force Cross was well deserved and may Major Rudolf Anderson rest in peace.
This story is bringing back memories of those " duck and cover" drills while in school. Thankful for Rudolf Anderson's heroism and courage that didn't require me to seek protection under my school desk.
In so many of these epic battles for civilization, seems we just barely lucked out. So close we have come to disaster. Which shows how crucially important it is to always be at our best.
Major Rudolf Anderson is an American Hero whose demise unwittingly may have prevented Armageddon. The shooting down of Major Andersons U-2 spy plane caused a very tense tightwire of potential nuclear war to unravel and for more rational people to negotiate a settlement, stopping the nuclear showdown.
I wonder what happened to Russian Lt. General Grechco who ordered the U-2 to be shot down.
God bless Major Anderson for his sacrifice and God bless Presidents Kennedy and Khrushchev for negotiating a peaceful settlement.
Love this. So glad to hear your stories, thank you!! 🇺🇸❤️🤍💙
🇺🇸 Another story I had not heard before, thank you 🇺🇲
Great history lesson. Thanks!!!
As always a wonderful story of a heroic American who put it all “ on the line “ to save others ! If he hadn’t done his job we would have had WW 3 at our door !!!
Another relatively unknown here, thank you for bringing his sacrifice to light!
Betsy Tara Ross JFK couldn't get a Democrat nomination nowadays. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
He wouldn't have been a Democrat today.
A great warrior who gave his life to protect us all.
Thank you, Tara.
The memories of this incident are alive and well. Not everyone realized how dire this situation was. Thank you again for another visit into our history.
Excellent story of heroism in the face of death! A brave man fell for the lives and future of his country!
Thank you, Maj. Rudolph Anderson!
And thank you Tara for bringing this story to our minds!