CAPTAIN CLAUDE K. HUDSON, for extraordinary heroism in Vietnam. He was serving as commander of Troop G, 11th Armored Calvalry Regiment on 7 June 1969 on a mission to search out and raze an abandoned village which harbored enemy troop concentrations. As his unit’s vehicles moved southwest out of An Loc and neared the hamlet, communist forces initiated an uninterrupted barrage of automatic weapons and antitank grenade fire. Without a moments hesitation, Captain Hudson brought his troop on line and commenced to execute a frontal assault on the enemy emplacements. Standing on the rear of the deck of his track, he maneuvered about the bullet-swept field and directed the depolyment of his men. As the armored force advanced, on of the platoons encountered fierce resistance and became stalled. Captain Hudson immediately directed his vehicle to the area and rallied his men to continue on line. For over four grueling hours, the troop thundered on, destroying hostile fortifications driving the enemy away. Throughout the battle, Captain Hudson remained exposed to vicious fire to control his troop as well as to guide a mechanized infantry unit that had been airlifted in to assist in the sweep. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.

Mr. Hudson is a life member and joined the Legion of Valor in 1971.