FALL RIVER, MA, U.S.A.
U.S. NAVY
KOREAN WAR
NAVAL OFFICER/AVIATOR
11/13/2017, CONCORD, MA
CPT Thomas Hudner was born in Fall River, MA on August 31, 1924. He attended Phillips Academy, Andover, MA where he participated in several sports and was active in school government.
Following the attack on Pearl harbor, Stuart entered the United States Naval Academy graduating in 1946. By 1948 he signed up for flight school and completed training at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, TX. He joined Fighter Squadron 32. He flew the F4U Corsair at the outbreak of the Korean War. He arrived near Korea in October 1950 and flew support missions from the aircraft carrier USS Leyte.
For displaying conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in North Korea trying to save the life of his wingman, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor April 13, 1951 by President Harry S. Truman. CPT Hudner remained on active-duty in the US Navy for another 22 years until his retirement from the Navy in February 1973 with the rank of captain.
Following his retirement , CPT Hudner worked as a management consultant, served as president of the regional USO, and was the Commissioner of Veterans’ Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1991 to 1999. CPT Hudner died at his home surrounded by family and friends on November 13, 2018. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.