The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomson J. Hudson, Jr. (MCSN: 0-103726), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 20 October 1970 while serving as a Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron TWO (VMO-2), Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, during combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. As Forward Air Controller (Airborne) aboard an OV-10 “Bronco” aircraft, First Lieutenant Hudson displayed outstanding aeronautical skill, courage, and resolute determination in directing close air support for two Vietnamese Civilian Irregular Defense Group companies that were engaged in heavy combat with the enemy, in the vicinity of Thuong Duc in Quang Nam Province. Arriving over the designated area, First Lieutenant Hudson immediately established radio contact and was informed that the units had been cut off on three sides by intense enemy fire and were stranded on the edge of a 2,300 foot drop to the valley below. Despite extremely adverse weather conditions, rugged mountainous terrain, and the difficulty of maneuvering his aircraft in the darkness, he was able to evade the hostile fire and position his aircraft at a low altitude to strafe and mark enemy positions for the firing runs of a U.S. Air Force aircraft. When two flights of Marine Corps A-4 “Skyhawks” arrived on-station, First Lieutenant Hudson briefed the pilots on their targets. Despite the intense volume of enemy fire directed at his aircraft, he fearlessly maneuvered his plane throughout the area and expertly directed the ensuing air strikes. As a result of the devastating attacks, the enemy fire was silenced. By his bold initiative, superior airmanship, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, First Lieutenant Hudson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.