State police and naval officers surprised this Medal of Honor recipient on his 92nd birthday
U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. got quite the surprise party to ring in his 92nd birthday.
A group of about 50 state police and Naval Chief Petty officers surprised the Congressional Medal of Honor recipient at his Concord home Wednesday, bringing with them a birthday cake and a special gift: a plaque made from wood, a bolt, and copper from the U.S.S. Constitution.
“It was an honor Captain Hudner,” state police said in a Facebook post. “Happy Birthday, and thank you for your service!”
https://www.facebook.com/MassStatePolice/posts/1095534057197243
Hudner received his Medal of Honor from President Harry Truman on April 13, 1951, for his heroic actions in an attempt to save the life of his wingman, aviator Jesse Brown, during the Battle of Chosin Resevoir during the Korean War in 1950.
On December 4, 1950, Hudner watched Brown’s plane get shot down by Chinese troops, according to his Medal of Honor biography page. He then intentionally brought down his own plane and went into the crash area without permission from his flight leader in order to help free his wingman.
Brown was trapped inside his smoking plane, his right leg crushed by a damaged panel. Hudner worked to pack snow into the smoking engine and talk to Brown as he faded in and out of consciousness. When a U.S. helicopter arrived, they tried tirelessly for almost an hour to free Brown. Despite their efforts, they could not free Brown and he died before nightfall.
The Navy is also dedicating a new missile destroyer to honor Hudner for his brave actions.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com