Posted on 05/11/2012 8:58:22 AM PDT by Seizethecarp
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today 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.
After receiving recognition for his heroism, Hudner remained on active duty, completing an additional 22 years of naval service during which his accomplishments include flying 27 combat missions in the Korean War and serving as the executive officer aboard the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War.
“Thomas Hudner exemplifies the core values of honor, courage and commitment the Navy holds dear,” said Mabus. “Naming the Navy’s next DDG for him will ensure his legacy will be known, honored and emulated by future generations of sailors and Marines who serve and all who come in contact with this ship.”
The Arleigh Burke class destroyer will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. It will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with the Navy’s ability to execute the Department of Defense’s defense strategy.
Unspeakable courage and loyalty.
I’m against naming USN ships after people, especially those who aren’t dead yet.
But I could make an exception if the names were limited to MOH recipients.
Bill Clinton would have shrugged and returned to base.
Wow, that takes some big brass ones.
“Bill Clinton would have shrugged and returned to base.”
And the Obamaloon would have continued to smoke his dope and write false diaries.
I could be mistaken, but it looks like we have yet to see a “USS Gregory Boyington” named for the great Sioux warrior.....
I don’t see these USN ship-naming news releases come out very often, so I wonder whether the Navy names them more often, and just announces the politically correct ones, and/or are others named for those who served with less distinction?
No offense to military or African Americans or any other Americans.
Bill Clinton would have been partying in Canada avoiding the military.
How would you courageously crash your plane?
I would be screaming uncontrollably! /sarc
Unlikely. 516 Canadians were killed in the Korean War.
DDG-116 couldn’t be built in a better place, Bath Iron Works. She’ll come out right and honor the name she carries.
Canada did not have a draft during the Vietnam War, the extradition treaty between the U.S and Canada only covered acts that were a crime in both countries. However, if anyone but Trudeau had been Prime Minister, it’s unlikely they would have granted them sanctuary. A number of Americans joined the Canadian Armed services during World War II, and I know at least one Canadian who joined the U.S. Armed Forces during Vietnam.
During the Korean War, Canada would not have accepted American draft dodgers.
The Navy’s been doing a pretty good job in naming the Burkes, striking a balance between traditional DD namesakes and new ones. The second Zumwalt - named after unworthy Silver Star recipient Lyndon B Johnson,is a different matter.
I’d like to see a DDG named after Pappy as well, but his legacy is kept well alive through the Blacksheep. The Sqn CO wears Pappy’s watch during ceremonial duties, and the most junior pilot is given the honor of wearing his wings.
Thanks for the info.
His was an amazing story, of life and second (and more) chances.
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