As I was walking through the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, I heard a man telling the story of trying to rescue a fellow pilot. The man was the late Thomas J. Hudner. The pilot was Jesse L. Brown. He is one of several stories I will share during Black History Month and one of many I heard while visiting the museum.
A boy with a dream
Brown was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and fell in love with flying at an early age, according to the website Naval History and Heritage Command. After graduating from high school, he attended Ohio State University. While in college, he signed up for Navy flight training school, according to the Naval Aviation Museum.
Brown was the first African American to receive his wings of gold at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola in 1948, according to the museum. He completed 10 strike missions in North Korea from October to November of 1950.
A story of friendship and tragedy
Brown was flying near the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War in December 1950 when his plane crashed. Brown was seriously injured. Hudner was his wingman and deliberately crashed his plane so that he could rescue Brown. When I saw the depiction of Hudner at Brown’s side, I first thought Brown was rescued.
But he wasn’t. Hudner was forced to evacuate via helicopter as night fell. Brown died. The Navy bombed the crash site to keep it from the Chinese and North Koreans. Brown’s body was never recovered.
Brown was the first African American naval officer killed in war. He received several posthumous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. An escort ship named in his honor served as part of the Atlantic Fleet until its decommissioning in 1994.
After the war, Hudner often talked about Brown. A video accompanies the depiction of the downed airplane at the Naval Aviation Museum and is narrated by Hudner. The movie “Devotion” released in 2022 is about t their friendship and Brown’s death . I am going to find that movie.
Brown was only 24 years old when he died, about the same age as my son. I am in awe of Brown’s bravery and sacrifice. It’s worth remember all these years and especially during Black History Month.
Visiting the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola
The Naval Aviation Museum is located on the Naval Air Station in Pensacola. You must go through a gate and show your identification. The security officer will ask if you have weapons with you.
The museum is free. You can take a guided tour or explore at your leisure. NAS Pensacola is home to the famous Blue Angels so be sure to get several pictures.
The Cubi Bar Cafe is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plan on staying at least three hours as the museum is huge.
If you enjoy visiting military museum, add the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga. to your list. It’s also free.
