Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

or
  • Filter Recipient Database here
    • Service Branch
    • Conflict / Era
    • Additional Filters
      -  
    or

Korean War - U.S. Navy

Thomas Jerome Hudner Jr.

Details
  • Rank: Lieutenant, j.g.
  • Conflict/Era: Korean War
  • Unit/Command:
    Fighter Squadron 32, Air Group 3,
    U.S.S. Leyte
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Navy
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: December 4, 1950
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: Chosin Reservoir, Korea
Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane, struck by antiaircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lt. (j.g.) Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage. Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain, and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops. With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful in this he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher. He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lt. (j.g.) Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
USED WITH PERMISSION, COPYRIGHT NICK DELCALZO
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts
  • Awarded Posthumously: No
  • Presentation Date & Details: April 13, 1951

    The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman

  • Born: August 31, 1924, Fall River, Bristol County, MA, United States
  • Died: November 13, 2017, Concord, MA, United States
  • Buried: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA, United States
 
Videos

Questions? For More Information Contact Us!