Milestones in the History of U S. Foreign Relations Office of the Historian

Although Anderson was the only combatant fatality during the crisis, 11 crew members of three reconnaissance Boeing RB-47 Stratojets of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing were also killed in crashes during the period between 27 September and 11 November 1962. He was the first recipient of the newly created Air Force Cross, which was awarded posthumously. The body of U-2 pilot Anderson was returned to the US and was buried with full military honours in South Carolina.