Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Donald
Hudson
December 21, 1895

–

June 10, 1967

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War I Donald Hudson scored 6 aerial victories to become an ACE. In 1919 he traveled to South America where he became an instructor for the Bolivian Air Force and was the first pilot to fly across the Andes. In recognition of his achievement, the city of La Paz erected a monument in his honor.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Service

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Service)

    Batallion:

    27th Aero Squadron

    Regiment:

    1st Pursuit Group

    Division:

    American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 46 (1919)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Service) Donald Hudson, United States Army Air Service, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 27th Aero Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Fere-en-Tardenois, France, 1 August 1918. A protection patrol of which Lieutenant Hudson was a member was attacked by a large formation of enemy planes. First Lieutenant Hudson was separated from the formation and forced to a low altitude by four enemy planes (Fokker type). He shot down one, drove off the other three, and started to our lines with a damaged machine, but was attacked by two planes. He shot down both of these planes and, by great perseverance and determination, succeeded in reaching our lines.