Military Heroes – U. S. Navy

Thomas J. Hudner
Ensign Jesse L. Brown

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced . . . the next Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer (DDG) will be named the USS Thomas Hudner.

Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator who retired as a captain, received the Medal of Honor from President Harry S. Truman for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his wingman, the first African American naval aviator to fly in combat, Ensign Jesse L. Brown.  During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, anti-aircraft fire hit Brown’s aircraft, damaging a fuel line and causing him to crash.  After it became clear Brown was seriously injured and unable to free himself Hudner proceeded to purposefully crash his own aircraft to join Brown and provide aid.  Hudner injured his own back during his crash landing, but he stayed with Brown until a rescue helicopter arrived.  Hudner and the rescue pilot worked in the sub-zero, snow-laden area in an unsuccessful attempt to free Brown from the smoking wreckage.

Hudner is the last living Navy recipient of the Medal of Honor from the Korean War.

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Courtesy of Steeljaw Scribe.

Click here for more on this Medal of Honor Recipient and the pilot, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, he saved.

Courtesy of Acepilots.com.