"The Mighty Eighth"-- Part 3: Goes to Philippines and Fights in Korean War

Returning to the United States, Bud had a well-deserved furlough with his family and friends.  After making many personal appearances at parades and bond drives, he was shipped to the Philippines.  While based in Mangaldan, Luzon, he was credited with shooting down a Japanese bomber.  He ended the war with 21 confirmed victories.

Later, during the Korean War, while flying an F-86 Sabre Jet, Bud was shot down by a North Korean surface-to-air missile and was held captive and in solitary confinement for 18 months.

Upon prisoner exchange, he was finally released and returned to the U.S. where he served a distinguished career with the Air Force.

--GreGen