Korean War Medal of Honor Veteran Honored at Hascom Airforce Base

90-year-old Thomas Hudner tried to save the Navy's first African American aviator

Coming from a lineage of men who served in the military, 90-year-old Thomas Hudner of Bedford, Massachusetts, has had his share of recognition while serving in the Navy.

"The Medal of Honor goes back to the Civil War and I'm very proud of having received it," he said.

Thursday marks the anniversary one of his most heroic moments - the one that helped him receive his Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman. On Dec. 4 64 years ago, Hudner tried to save the Navy's first African American aviator.

"I knew this fellow personally, and he was worthy of every bit of help that we gave to him," the retired Navy captain said.

Hudner says he befriended Jesse Brown while they served together in the squadron. Brown's Corsair aircraft was struck down in the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. Hudner sacrificed his fighter jet to try and save the wounded aviator. Unfortunately, Brown had succumbed to his wounds and died.

F-18 fighter jets flew over Hudner and his family as a tribute to his actions at the Hanscom Airforce Base. The leading aircraft is named after Hudner along with Jesse Brown.

"Their legacy will never be forgotten but the point I want to drive home to my sailors is that there is no more selfless act than taking care of a shipmate and that is what Capt. Hudner did 64 years ago," Commander Pete Hagey of the 32nd Strike Fighter Squadron said. 

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