Name A Navy Ship After MOH Recipient Tom Hudner

***UPDATE - Secretary of The Navy Announces DDG 116 to be Named Thomas Hudner***After watching so many stupid names go on ships, this is a GREAT idea.




There is a movement afoot to name a US Navy ship after Medal of Honor recipient, Capt Thomas J. Hudner, USN (ret).

I can not tell you how pleased I am about this.  You can NOT name a more worthy candidate.

It's not political like naming a ship after John Warner.  It's not irrelevant like naming a ship after Gabby Gifford.  It's not outright stupid in the name of political correctness like naming a ship after Ceasar Chavez.  It's not offensive like naming a ship after John Murtha.

Capt Hudner is a Massachusetts native whose actions during the Korean conflict will really move you when you read them.  And I do encourage you to read the links I will leave at the bottom of this post.

I have had the great honor of meeting Capt Hudner on several occasions.  I've blogged about it, but I could never express how it makes me feel.

Please join  me in this effort and write to SecNav expressing your support.
Hon. Ray Maybus
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon, Rm. 4D682
Washington, DC, 20350-1000

Read more about Capt. hudner at the following links

Valley Patriot of the Month - Hero in Our Midst
Captain Thomas J Hudner, Jr.
by Ted Tripp

Navy urged to name ship for living Bay State veteran
Written by Linden on April 15, 2012

Wikipedia - Thomas J. Hudner

Sometimes, Amid The Celebration....

...you see something so sad

This week on Midrats, Eagle1 & CDR Salamander will host CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret). CAPT Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Korean War.

You do not want to miss this. Everyone who has the chance to listen to or meet CAPT Hudner should take full advantage. I have been this lucky on a few occasions.

When I first met CAPT Hudner, I wanted to post about it, so I Googled him. I read a bunch of stuff and looked at many pictures. I came upon this picture and I was struck. I actually got a little choked up think how hard this must have been for Mrs. Brown. She must have been so conflicted. I look at CAPT Hudner - he is literally beaming. As well he should be. He went on to make many more contributions to the Navy. But then I look at Mrs. Brown and my heart breaks.

CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret) on MIDRATS

This coming Sunday at 1700 est (5 pm) MIDRATs will be covering "Navy Air in the Korean War" and the featured guest will be CAPT Hudner.

I am thrilled! I have met CAPT Hudner several times, the most recent being this past August.

There will be a countdown....I don't want you to miss it. CAPT Hudner is older now, but when he tells this story in that low key way great men do....I get chills.

Doesn't hurt that he was a drop dead gorgeous guy back in the day!

Maggie Meets The MCPON....

...and his Hooligan too!

So Thursday while I was down the Navy Yard to hear CAPT Hudner, USN (ret), MOH recipient speak to the CPO Selects, I heard some news......
CAPT Hudner was a few minutes late and to fill the time the CPO Selects were asked if they were looking forward to meeting the MCPON.

Full stop! The MCPON is coming? Here? LOL I turned to the mentor Chief beside me "The MCPON is coming here? I've got to get invited to that!"

So when Sr. Chief Twiford came over to CAPT Hudner & myself while the CPO Selects were taking pictures, I asked "Where are you having me stand later so I am in a spot where I can shake the MCPON's hand?" LOL, he took it right in stride and told me that if I was at the gate at 1530, he would see to it. Sr. Chief Twiford rocks! He wasn't sure I'd be able to be in the "All Hands". I assured the Senior Chief that I would bring a book and he could stick me in a corner. I just wanted a chance to say hi.

So there I was at the gate at 1531 (ok, not so prompt). I walked through & I was all "Yellow M&M" as Jennifer likes to say and I was not paying attention. There was a Chief standing there watching me. "Are you waiting for me?" He answered in the affirmative and said "He's speaking now" and off we ran. And by "ran", I mean he was walking and I was trotting behind him.

I knew where we were headed, I've just never gone there at top speed, lol. As we approached the door, MCPON West was standing with his back to us. He was addressing Old Ironsides' crew, answering a quession about the importance of learning and understanding their Naval Heritage. The MCPON told them to take time to fully contemplate what USS Constitution represents to the Navy and to our country.

I was directed to a spot near the galley entrance and settled into to listen. I could see one of the Chief's making his way around the edges of the room in my direction.....I had a good idea who it was. A few hours before I had received a message from MCPON West's PAO, Sr. Chief Houlihan had sent me a message, "Email me, I'm in your little town.". I sent back "No computer. Only cell phone. I know where you are. I'll see you at 1530" Really, you can't sneak up on the GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR! Sr. Chief Twiford pointed to the galley and I followed with the Hooligan behind. It was great to meet him, we have been internet buddies for a while. He told me that I was free to listen in and blog whatever I wanted from the meeting. I know that's a big deal and I was honored.

Back in the meeting I listened to the give and take of the "All Hand's Call". The questions ran the gamut from training to uniforms to IAs to "Continuation Boards". Each Sailor was encouraged to not only give their name and rank, but their hometown. There was goodnatured banter about sports teams and loyalties. The MCPON is engaging and very personable, without seeming to glad-hand like a politician. His own stories were self-effacing and he easily related to his audience. But he was still clearly in charge. I know that's a line some can't straddle. The MCPON is definitely in a position of authority. I think some would seem aloof - I've never met a MCPON before, so that's a guess. Or some would try to be your friend. But in being your friend, that would cross the line wouldn't it? Instead, he comes across as their advocate. He is open but still "running this train" as SB says.

At the end of the Q&A, the MCPON wrapped it up by exhorting USS Constitution's crew to never forget that here they are the face of the Navy. I wholeheartedly second that. For many Americans and tourists, visiting this ship may be the only interaction that person ever has with the Navy. I know when I was young, Constitution was the Navy. Sure there was USS Cassin Young, but it was an also-ran (no offense, you know I love the TinCans!)

When I talk to some people I am astonished by what they don't know about the Navy or the military. But seriously, how would they know if they didn't have some connection (Thanks, Dad!)? For many that only connection will be a trip aboard Old Ironsides. Nevermind the historic significance of it. One of my favorite things about this command is their devotion to preserving and sharing the rich 200 year old history of this amazing ship. I have never met a crew member who stumbled, they all know their stuff.

Then it was time for some of the crew to be recognized. They came forward as called for a personal "Well Done" from the MCPON. He shook their hand, gave them his "coin" and high-fived them, each in turn. When I tell you these Sailors were beaming, it doesn't really cover it.

The MCPON wraps his meetings up with a little tradition - he leads the crew in a "Hooyah!" He told them it had to be loud, that he used it to energize himself.

090827-N-9818V-089 BOSTON (Aug. 27, 2009) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West wraps up a all hands call with the crew of the USS Constitution with a MCPON "HOOYAH" before attending a heritage training formal dinner for the chief petty officer selects. Every year 300 chief petty officer selects are chosen to spend a week living and training aboard the USS Constitution. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released)

I was standing right behind the person taking this picture. He told them it had to be loud enough "For BostonMaggie to blog about it!" Here you are - IT WAS LOUD!

Did I mention my new bling?

That's right - the MCPON gave me his coin! I was floored! It wasn't just in passing, it was in front of the whole crew at the end of the "All Hands". It came with a hug. I told them that it wasn't supposed to work this way - I am supposed to do things for them! He said it was his way of thanking me for my support of the Navy and the Constitution.

Well, let me tell you - it has been and continues to be my pleasure!

090827-N-9818V-693 BOSTON (Aug. 27, 2009) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West walks with Command Senior Chief David Twiford in front of the USS Constitution after attending a heritage training formal dinner aboard the USS Constitution for the chief petty officer selects. Every year 300 chief petty officer selects are chosen to spend a week living and training aboard the USS Constitution. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released)

Many thanks to MCPON West, his PAO Sr. Chief Bill Houlihan (my friend The Hooligan) you guys made my day. (You should fan the MCPON on Facebook, I did)

But especially thanks to Sr Chief Twiford. Without his good humor about me and my adventures, this wouldn't have been possible.

Thursday In the Navy Yard

So Thursday was one of the days I picked to be at my parent's house (Grace, Jen & I are taking turns - it's on of the reasons they sprang my Dad early) because I knew that there was an event down the Navy Yard.

Last week CAPT Thomas Kelley, USN (ret), MOH recipient addressed the first group of CPO Selects. This week's group was to be addressed by CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN, (ret), MOH recipient.

So I was down there promptly at noon.....this promptness thing isn't so bad. And there were the USS Constitution Chief's getting ready.

The CPO Selects came over from the ship and assembled on the grass in front of the Massachusetts Korean War Memorial. CAPT Hudner arrived a few moments later. (This is a pic from 12/2008 because I don't have anything from Thursday)

He is very soft spoken and while his hosts tried to raise the volume on the sound system as much as they could....it was diffucult to hear. If you could have seen us, there were 200 people (the Selects, the mentor Chiefs, the chiefs of the USS Constitution and myself) all listenig raptly. We were straining forward as one, trying not to miss a single word coming from this amazing man.

Like CAPT Kelley the week before, CAPT Hudner spoke of his actions that day in Korea as something he did without thinking more than a few seconds about the consequences. It needed to be done, so he did it -

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane struck by antiaircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lt. (J.G.) Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage. Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops. With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free.

Unsuccessful in this, he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher. He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lt. (J.G.) Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
~~~~~~~~~~~
When that man talks - how can you help but be inspired. CAPT Hudner answered questions about the planes he flew, the Chiefs who influenced him and ships he served aboard.

I hope the CPO Selects left that meeting with a better understanding than ever before about caring for shipmates.

OK, I Lied

I proimised there would be posts about CDR Bullard's change of command ceremony here today.
I've lied.

My father, brother, sister and brother-in-law showed up to finish my bedroom-closet remodel.

Sorry, I'd be grounded if I stayed here typing to all of you while they worked.

Meanwhile -
I won't leave you bored. We have Medal of honor stuff. Yesterday I had the pleasure of saying hello again to CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient. CAPT Hudner was gracious enough to pretend he remembered me. So let's focus there.

We are in the run up to the 2009 Commit to Courage Medal of Honor Convention in chicago in 51 days. Visit their website here. Follow them on Facebook & Twitter.

Here is a link to the Medal of Honor post at the Castle of Argghhh!!! for 24 JUL. I'm sure he'll have today's up soon.

OK, ok, I hve to go.

The Highlight of The Sunset Parade

Tonight I was in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the Sunset Parade with the officers and crew of USS Constitution.

There was a reviewing stand and next to it, reserved seating. I got the front row and three of the four marching bands performed right in front of my spot.....excellent!

Afterwards I was talking to people I know and teasing Commander Bullard's son about the treat I brought. Commander Bullard called to me to come over and meet the gentleman he was standing with.

CAPT Thomas Hudner, USN (ret.), MOH recipient

I was completely tongue-tied. I think. Because I don't remember a single thing I said.

It was my absolute honor, sir.

It was the highlight of my evening.
Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Thomas J. Hudner, USN Is congratulated by Mrs. Daisy P. Brown, widow of Ensign Jesse L. Brown, after he received the Medal of Honor from President Truman at the White House, 13 April 1951.LtJG Hudner was awarded the medal for attempting to rescue Ensign Brown, who had been shot down by enemy fire near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea, on 4 December 1950. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives

A Partially Successful Mission

As you know it's Navy Week here in Boston. I haven't made it any events yet. They've generally been held during my work hours. But tonight's event -

"8:00 p.m.
Northeast Navy Showband Concert, Trum Field, Broadway, Somerville.
Vice Admiral McCoy to speak briefly. Navy Medal of Honor recipients Captains Tom Kelley and Tom Hudner will be attending.
Location: Trum Field Somerville"

- seemed an easy enough to get to.

My Dad used to take Jen to Trum Field when she was young so he could watch games. It was there that she acquired her love of Lyndell's almond discs. Lyndell's is right up the street. So that was the plan - 8 pm in Somerville.

I got an email today -
"Tonight's event has been shifted to the Somerville High Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave., Somerville"

Great! Good to have intel, right?

So I was a few minutes late getting there. LOL! Somerville High wasn't where I thought it was exactly (you know, as a Townie my Somerville escapades are limited to conferences at Tufts, wakes in Powder House Square, picking up pastries at Lyndells, etc). But I found it and after all, I'm always late.

I walk in and people are leaving. I am confused. I ask someone - "Did I miss it?" No I was assured, plenty more to see, this is intermission.

I walk down the center aisle. The Navy NorthEast Showband was packing up and they had a DJ playing WWII top Ten hits. People were dancing in front of the stage. I see a little knot of people off to the side. There's the mayor...some people shaking hands...and....some Sailors! LOL

I go up and greet LCDR Paul Brawley who's been keeping me in the loop with all the Navy week events. He's a Somerville native. Graduated from Somerville High in 1973.

I got to meet VADM McCoy and his wife (who I liked immediately). We could only talk for a few moments because their group was leaving. I was kidding about a mutual acquaintance who makes his own beer and Mrs. McCoy mentioned that Sam Adam's was popular in her family. I told her we'd have to get her a tour of the brewery and she'd be a rockstar in her family, lol.

VADM McCoy teased that he hoped I'd blog something nice about Navy Week (seriously? LOL! Who is more of a Navy girl than BostonMaggie!!!) Still, how cool was the bribe involved?!

Seriously, I was touched to receive the coin. Thank you, sir.

So, I did stay and I was glad I did. Once things started up again, Mayor Joseph Curtatone got up and said a few words and then introduced - The USO Liberty Bells! They were so cute in their little costumes. Then they started to sing and they were really good.

After the show I was waiting for the chance to ask some questions when the Mayor turned and thanked me for coming. I told him I had a great time. I asked if CAPTs Kelley and Hudner had showed up. He said that CAPT Hudner hadn't made it and CAPT Kelley had left earlier. He made me very sorry that I had missed the Navy band when he raved about their performance.

That's when I found out that this thing started at 6:45 pm..........seriously, the schedule said 8 pm. Look!

Classic Maggie, huh?

Navy Week - Day 3 Thursday, July 2nd

Day 3 of Boston Navy Week

All events are listed here

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-free public tours

10 a.m.-6 p.m.
F/A18 Flight Simulator and Chevy Suburban-City Hall Plaza

2 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills

4 p.m.
USS Constitution, Charlestown Navy Yard-boarding pike and gun drills

8:00 p.m.
Northeast Navy Showband Concert, Somerville High School Auditorium.
ViceAdmiral McCoy to speak briefly.

Navy Medal of Honor recipients Captains Tom Kelley and Tom Hudner will be attending.

Location: Somerville High Auditorium, 81 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have intentionally made the line about CAPTs Kelley & Hudner larger than anything else. With respect to VADM McCoy & the Northeast Navy Showband.
v/r GODNAVBLOGSTRIFOR

Lieutenant (j.g.) Thomas J. Hudner, USN

The CPO selects had the great honor of being addressed by Medal of Honor recipient Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., USN (ret). I would have killed to crash this event!

HUDNER, THOMAS JEROME, JR.
Rank and organization: Lieutenant (j.g.) U.S. Navy, pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, attached to U.S.S. Leyte. Place and date: Chosin Reservoir area of Korea, 4 December 1950. Entered service at: Fall River, Mass. Born: 31 August 1924, Fall River, Mass.
Citation.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a pilot in Fighter Squadron 32, while attempting to rescue a squadron mate whose plane struck by antiaircraft fire and trailing smoke, was forced down behind enemy lines. Quickly maneuvering to circle the downed pilot and protect him from enemy troops infesting the area, Lt. (j.g.) Hudner risked his life to save the injured flier who was trapped alive in the burning wreckage. Fully aware of the extreme danger in landing on the rough mountainous terrain and the scant hope of escape or survival in subzero temperature, he put his plane down skillfully in a deliberate wheels-up landing in the presence of enemy troops. With his bare hands, he packed the fuselage with snow to keep the flames away from the pilot and struggled to pull him free. Unsuccessful in this, he returned to his crashed aircraft and radioed other airborne planes, requesting that a helicopter be dispatched with an ax and fire extinguisher. He then remained on the spot despite the continuing danger from enemy action and, with the assistance of the rescue pilot, renewed a desperate but unavailing battle against time, cold, and flames. Lt. (j.g.) Hudner's exceptionally valiant action and selfless devotion to a shipmate sustain and enhance the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Thomas Hudner's story is fascinating! The pilot he was attempting to rescue the Navy's first African-American aviator, Jesse L. Brown.

Hudner's words in an interview:
"I knew what I had to do," said Hudner in an interview by Frank Geary, for Jax Air News, the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., base newspaper. "I was not going to leave him down there for the Chinese. Besides, it was 30 degrees below zero on that slope, and he was a fellow aviator. My association with the Marines had rubbed off on me. They don't leave wounded Marines behind." Hudner tightened his harness and, with his wheels up, set his Corsair down onto the snow and rocks some 100 yards from Brown's smoking aircraft. "He was alive, but barely, when I got onto his wing and tried to lift him out of the cockpit. But his right leg was crushed and entangled in metal and instruments. I hurried back and requested a rescue helo, making sure it would bring an ax and a fire extinguisher. When I got back to Brown, I began packing snow around the smoking cowling. "When a two-man Marine helicopter arrived with only its pilot, the ax he carried proved useless in our efforts to hack away the metal entrapping Brown's leg. He was going in and out of consciousness and losing blood. "The helo pilot and I, in our emotion and panic, and with the light of day fading, discussed using a knife to cut off Jesse's entrapped leg. Neither of us really could have done it, and it was obvious Jesse was dying. He was beyond help at that point. The helo pilot said we had to leave. Darkness was setting in and we'd never get out after dark," said Hudner. "We had no choice but to leave him. I was devastated emotionally. In those seconds of our indecision, Jesse died."
It's cliche, but that is grace under fire.