Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr.

Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr., was the only American killed by enemy fire during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Flying a U-2 spy plane at 70,000 feet, his aircraft was struck by a Soviet missile. Shrapnel punctured his pressure suit, causing instant decompression. His crucial photographs ultimately helped de-escalate the crisis.

He was the first to be awarded the Air Force Cross. Valor is in you. Set it free.