Navy Federal Credit Union

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) William T. Hudnell, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Hudnell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    April 23, 1940

    War Department: American Decorations, 1941 (Supplement V-1941)

    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 (Air Corps) William T. Hudnell, Jr., U.S. Army Air Forces, for heroism while participating in an aerial flight at Langley Field, Virginia, on 23 April 1940. Lieutenant Hudnell, piloting an Army airplane P-36A AC 38-6 on an individual aerobatic flying mission, was returning to his station when descending from an altitude of 2,000 feet the control stick of his airplane locked in the neutral position. Convinced that if he abandoned the airplane much damage to property and perhaps casualties among the residents of the semi-congested area over which he was flying would result, Lieutenant Hudnell, disregarding all considerations of his own safety despite the fact that his first attempt to land proved unsuccessful and rather than risk the probable damage to his uncontrolled airplane might cause, made a second attempt and brought the disabled airplane to a safe landing. The courage, sound judgment, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Hudnell averted the destruction of valuable Government property, possible loss of civilian life and property, and reflected great credit upon himself and the military service.