Yesterday, over lunch, I went for a walk in Cleveland Park and took this photo of a monument dedicated to Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. I understand he was a Greenville native and that he was shot down over Cuba during The Cuban Missile Crisis. A Wikipedia article gives additional detail. The plaque on the monument in part says:
“In a period of great international stress he performed his duty of great responsibility with honor. He … gave his life that America could proceed on a course toward peace …”
An appropriate and fitting memorial for this man. It’s a bit different than most, isn’t it?
I suggest you check out the film “Thirteen Days”; scary stuff!
The jet looks animated. How fun to see it mounted this way.
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
Yes, He was a Greenville Native and the ONLY casualty of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The plane in the memorial is an exact replica of the one he was shot down in. Its a great memorial and was the fodder for our imaginations growing up. Great picture! Thanks for showing a bit of Greenville people do not always see.
I loved seeing this when I was growing up. It was one of my favorite Greenville Landmarks! Thanks for the memories!
My son enjoyed seeing this post with me today!
Tigerlily, that is not the exact replica of the plane he was shot down in. That is a Sabre jet, similar to the one Maj. Anderson flew during the Korean War.
Maj. Anderson was shot down in a U2 spy plane. The Sabre jet is a fighter, used to take on other fighters, like Soviet made MIG’s. The U2 spy plane, besides being too large to fit into a space like it is in in Cleveland Park, is still classified and still used to this day for reconnaissance missions over hostile territory.
Maj. Anderson is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery and also memorialized at his alma mater, Clemson.
I remember the day that the plane was unveiled. As a young child, I loved riding by it and remembering a hero from my hometown that was killed for our freedom. Kennedy didn’t take any bull from Castro and the Soviets, he showed them the muscle of the US.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE PHOTOS. MAJOR ANDERSON IS TRUELY A GREAT HERO TO ALL AMERICANS AND AS A FELLOW GREENVILLIAN MY SELF I WAS ALWAYS PROUD TO VISIT THIS MONUMENT AS A CHILD AND NOW AS AN ADULT.BEING IN THE MILITARY AND STATIONED OVER SEAS I DONTGET THE CHANCE TO PAY MY RESPECTS TO THIS GREAT AMERICAN LLIKE I USED TO BUT NOW I HAVE THIS PHOTO SAVED ON MY COMPUTER TO REMEMBER AND TO OFFER PRAYERS TO HIS MEMORY AND FOR HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.
WAYNE R ROPER
PETTY OFFICER SECOND CLASS UNITED STATES NAVY
Thanks for writing this.
I came across this posting and want to thank this poster re his reflections. I am Rudy’s first cousin his mother was my Dad’s oldest sister (Mary) thier parents died very young and she was like a Mother to my dad, Nathan. Anyway I was raised in Philadelphia as my dad met my mother during WWII, but when Rudy was shot down my Dad drove us to Greenville and Tralvers Rest to reunite with his family, I remember President Kennedy speaking with my Uncle Rudy & Aunt Mary and it’s unreal less than 13 months later he would be murdered I think these tragic events were the begining of alot of the misfortune which is currently facing our nation and I would again like to thank this poster for his reflections. Joe Barksdale
Did Major Anderson have a wife & children? I had two uncles in the Air Force and remember them talking of him when his plane went down. I was just 10. I always thought it was so traggic. VAN S.
I worked with a man, about 20 in 1971 who claimed to be Rudy’s son, Richard, by a first marriage. His two sons were 5 and 3 when he died so he was not one of them. Rudy was old enough to be married before but have not been able to find out anything about it.
It was a privilege to share my thoughts of this great man and the sacrifice he made for our freedom. He is always remembered and honored . It was a privilege to serve and I’m glad to share my thoughts.
I was not aware that a fatality had occurred during the Cuban missile crisis. Either I wasn’t listening in school, or it was never mentioned. Quite a tense time in our countries history. Because of Service Members like Major Anderson, our Country is free and the envy of the world. Rest in peace. Thank you US Military.
I have been Fascinated by the movie “THIRTEEN DAYS” even though I thinks its biased against the Military. Major Anderson must have been a great man. Question though, did the Kennedy administration call Major Anderson on the phone just before he took off for CUBA and request that he “NOT”get shot down? Is this true? Anyone know the answer to this or was that just Hollywood being Hollywood?
PS: One of my parents neighbors house has a bomb shelter in it built back in October of 1962. People still use that Bomb Shelter today but it’s for storage for other things. It’s really something.