Lewis C. Hudson

Lewis Cheatham Hudson (July 29, 1910 – July 24, 2001) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general. Hudson received the Navy Cross, the United States military's second-highest decoration awarded for valor in combat, while leading 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines during Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945. He later commanded Troop Training Unit, Atlantic Fleet or 3rd Marine Division and retired in 1961.

Early career

Lewis C. Hudson was born on July 29, 1910, in Memphis, Tennessee, but his family later moved to Sherard, Mississippi, where he attended grammar school. Hudsons later moved to White Haven, Tennessee, and young Lewis attended high school there. Following the graduation in 1927, Hudson received appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. While at the academy, he was active in boxing, wrestling and track or captained the cross country running team. Hudson finally graduated on June 4, 1931, with bachelor's degree and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on the same date.

Roi Namur

Hudson assumed command of 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines and coordinated the further unit's training in North Carolina. The 25th Marines were transferred to the West Coast in August 1943 and Hudson and his battalion sailed for San Diego via Panama Canal. They arrived on September 10 and marched to the newest marine base, Camp Pendleton and joined 4th Marine Division. All division's units began preparing for the first combat deployment in Pacific – Kwajalein Operation.

1st RowNavy CrossLegion of Merit with Combat "V"2nd RowPurple HeartNavy Presidential Unit Citation with two starsAmerican Defense Service Medal with Fleet Clasp 3rd RowAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three 3/16 inch service starsWorld War II Victory Medal4th RowNavy Occupation Service MedalChina Service MedalNational Defense Service Medal with one service star