The Pensacola, Florida-based National Naval Aviation Museum unveiled its newest exhibit recently – a tribute to Korean War US Navy aviators Ens Jesse Brown and LTJG Thomas Hudner
The diorama, which is centred around a Corsair used in the production of the film Devotion depicts the selfless actions of Hudner who deliberately crash-landed his machine near to his downed wingman in a bid to save him during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The airmen were serving with Fighter Squadron 32 (VF-32) from the carrier USS Leyte on December 4, 1950. Despite Hudner’s efforts, Brown, the US Navy’s first African-American aviator, sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions. Both men were inducted into the Naval Aviation Hall of Honor at the museum on October 29.
