Lincoln Hudson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lincoln T. Hudson
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Lincoln T. Hudson
March 12, 1916 |
| Died | September 26, 1988 (aged 72) |
| Resting place | Lincoln Cemetery - Blue Island, Illinois, Cook County |
| Alma mater | Loyola University Chicago, University of Chicago |
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| Years active | 1944-1946 |
| Awards | Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Tuskegee Airmen |
Lincoln T. Hudson (March 12, 1916 – September 26, 1988) was an important American figure. He was a brave World War II fighter pilot and a Prisoner of War in Nazi Germany. After the war, he became a successful business leader.
During World War II, Hudson was part of the Tuskegee Airmen. This was a special group of all-African-American combat fighter pilots. They were known as the "Red Tails" and were highly respected.
After his military service, Hudson became a Senior Vice President at Johnson Publishing Company. This company published famous African American magazines like Ebony Magazine and Jet Magazine.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Lincoln T. Hudson was born on March 12, 1916, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. His father was a Methodist minister. This meant his family often moved around the Southern United States. Hudson finished high school in Louisiana.
In 1933, he moved to Chicago. There, he worked different jobs. He sold hair care products and insurance. He also worked in a butcher shop.
Hudson was married to Chestine Hudson. They had three children: Lincoln Jr., Chester, and Crystal. He lived in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood for many years until he passed away in 1988.
Flying with the Tuskegee Airmen
On June 27, 1944, Hudson completed his pilot training at Tuskegee. He earned his wings and became a 2nd Lieutenant. Sometimes, he and his friend, fellow Tuskegee Airman Harold Brown (Tuskegee Airman), would borrow military planes. They would fly to Chicago on weekends to visit Hudson's wife and enjoy the city.
Hudson was part of the 332nd Fighter Group's 301st Fighter Squadron. He flew 20 missions during World War II. These missions were very dangerous and important.
Captured as a Prisoner of War
On March 23, 1945, Hudson's P-51 Mustang plane had engine trouble. He had to bail out of his damaged aircraft. He parachuted over eastern Czechoslovakia. German soldiers captured him near Vienna, Austria.
The German military took Hudson to a prisoner of war (POW) camp. This camp was located near Nuremberg, Germany. He was questioned by the Germans and faced very difficult times as a prisoner. His friend, Harold Brown, who was captured earlier, barely recognized him. Later, Hudson was moved to Stalag VII-A. This was a very large POW camp in Nazi Germany.
On April 29, 1945, General George Patton and his Third Army arrived. They liberated Hudson and about 76,000 other prisoners. This was a moment of great relief and freedom for the POWs.
Awards and Special Recognition
- Congressional Gold Medal: This special award was given to all the Tuskegee Airmen in 2006. It recognized their bravery and service.
Life After the War
In 1946, Hudson was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Air Corps. He then decided to continue his education. In 1951, he graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a business degree. He also did some graduate studies at the University of Chicago.
In November 1952, Hudson started working at Johnson Publishing. He began as an advertising salesman. He quickly moved up in the company. He became Midwest advertising manager, then Vice President of Advertising, and finally Senior Vice President.
In the late 1950s, Hudson achieved a major success. He secured a big advertising deal between Johnson Publishing and Chevrolet. This was one of the first times a major U.S. car company advertised in an African American publication. This was a big step for both the company and for advertising aimed at diverse audiences.
Passing Away
Lincoln T. Hudson passed away on September 26, 1988, in Chicago, Illinois. He was laid to rest at Lincoln Cemetery in Blue Island, Illinois.
See also
- Executive Order 9981
- List of Tuskegee Airmen Cadet Pilot Graduation Classes
- List of Tuskegee Airmen
- Military history of African Americans
- The Tuskegee Airmen (movie)
