
Joseph Ezekiel Jr. Hudson, age 23, from Deerfield Beach, Florida, Broward county.
Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment
Spouse: Maureen Walden
Date of death: Wednesday, February 21, 1968
Death details: Bronze Star citation: For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Hudson distinguished himself while serving with Company B, 2/35th Infantry during the period July 1967 to February 1968. Private First Class Hudson immediately demonstrated a working knowledge of infantry tactics and leadership ability. He always remained calm in dangerous situations but reacted quickly when the need arose. He soon earned the position of Fire Team Leader. He aggressively accepted the responsibilities and promptly earned the respect of his men and superiors through his disciplined control of his team and constant concern for its welfare. Whether on a combat assault, a search and destroy mission, or manning a listening post; he always led his team well and contributed significantly to the successes of his unit’s mission. On 21 February 1968, Private First Class Hudson was on a resupply convoy returning from a forward fire base near Que Son, Quang Tin Province, when the vehicle he was riding in hit a hidden enemy mine, He was mortally wounded by the resulting explosion. Private First Class Hudson’s outstanding achievements, professional integrity, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Source: National Archives, 35th Infantry Regiment Association, Tampa Bay Times (1968)