Watch CBS News

Decorated Veteran Who Received Birthday Surprise From Navy Dies

CONCORD (CBS) – A decorated Korean War veteran from who received a special birthday visit from the U.S. Navy last summer has died at 93 years old.

The death of Captain Thomas Hudner, the former commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, was announced on Monday.

During the Korean War in 1950, Hudner intentionally crashed his own plane to try and save a friend after his plane was shot down.

Jesse Brown, Hudner's wingman whose plane was shot down, was the Navy's first black carrier pilot.

For his actions, Hudner was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

captain thomas hudner concord vet
Captain Thomas Hudner blows out the candles on his birthday cake in August 2016. (Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)

In August 2016, 50 Naval officers marched down the Concord street where Hudner lives and met him outside his home.

The officers sang the Navy Hymm and Happy Birthday to Hudner as he turned 92 years old.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.