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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant Robert Markham Hudson, United States Air Force, for heroic achievement while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 1972 to March 1973. His ceaseless efforts to conduct himself strictly in accord with the Code of Conduct and policies of the prisoner organization in the difficult conditions of a communist prison clearly demonstrated his loyalty, love of country, and professionalism. By his unselfish dedication to duty, he reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1972
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-387 (March 27, 1973)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Robert Markham Hudson, United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a B-52 Copilot over North Vietnam on 26 December 1972. On that date, Lieutenant Hudson participated in a high-priority bombing mission against a vital military target in heavily-defended areas of North Vietnam. Despite the intensity of defensive reaction and the extreme hazards posed by numerous surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors, Lieutenant Hudson displayed a courageous willingness to place the mission above his personal safety in directing his aircraft to a successful release of his ordnance on the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Hudson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    December 26, 1972 – March 29, 1973

    First Lieutenant Robert Markham Hudson, United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 26, 1972 until his release on March 29, 1973.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 1996 – July 1998

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert Markham Hudson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Inspector General of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from June 1996 to July 1998. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hudson culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    June 8, 1992 – June 24, 1996

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert Markham Hudson, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 70th Air Base Group, Human Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas, from 8 June 1992 to 24 June 1996. During this period, Colonel Hudson’s outstanding skill, dynamic leadership, exceptional managerial skills and devotion to duty in his conduct of command were recognized when the 70th Air Base Group was twice awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. As Brooks Air Force Base’s biggest cheerleader, he brilliantly presented the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, and Human Systems Center stories to United States Senators Gramm and Hutchison, Governor Bush of Texas, as well as six Base Realignment and Closure commissioners. Colonel Hudson has made such a positive impact within the Human Systems Center that his innovative leadership and “pro-people” approach will be realized at Brooks Air Force Base for years to come. Leading the way as a civic leader, Colonel Hudson established and is the director of the award winning Rogers Middle School Mentor Program. Colonel Hudson has received numerous national accolades including one from President Clinton for his outstanding commitment to educational excellence and volunteerism. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hudson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.