1LT Charles S. Hudson (then 2LT), Air Corps, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving as bombardier on a mission over Germany, 9 Oct 1943.  During the course of a vicious attack by enemy fighter airplanes, LT Hudson was wounded in his right shoulder and his left wrist broken by flak fragment.  He refused to accept first aid treatment but remained at his post.  He continued to fire his machine gun at the attacking fighter airplanes in spite of the excruciating pain and the handicap of his injured arm until further danger from fighter attacks had ceased.  After his wounds had been treated, he returned to his post and assisted the navigator and pilot on the return journey.  The devotion to duty and heroism displayed by LT Hudson were an inspiration to his comrades.  His action in remaining at his post in spite of his injuries was largely responsible for the safe return of the aircraft.

Charlie "Combat" Hudson completed 37 missions and was the most highly decorated bombardier of the war.  His book, Combat He Wrote, can be purchased through the 91st BG website.  To read his mission stories, click here.  View photo.

  Click to enlarge this Strange As It Seems article printed 18 March 1944.

In this photo, Hudson on far right is standing with Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Red Morgan, second from the left.  The other two officers are receiving DSC's are Gen. Williams and LT Sellers.  The enlisted man is not known.