Captain Thomas J. Hudner Jr. was a United States Navy officer and a Medal of Honor recipient. He was born on August 31, 1924, in Fall River, Massachusetts. Hudner is best known for his heroic actions during the Korean War, particularly for attempting to rescue his friend and fellow pilot, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, after Brown's plane was shot down in 1950. Hudner's bravery in the face of danger earned him the Medal of Honor, which is the highest military decoration in the United States. He served in various capacities throughout his career, including as a naval aviator and a test pilot, and he retired with the rank of Captain in 1973. Hudner passed away on November 17, 2021.