DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY DIVISION (AIRMOBILE)
APO San Francisco 96490

GENERAL ORDERS                                                 14 January 1968
Number 275

AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 

    1.  TC 320.  The following AWARD is announced.

HUDGINS, JAMES W. SR.  05326087  (SSAN: NOT AVAILABLE)  FIRST LIEUTENANT
TRANSPORTATION CORPS United States Army Company D, 227th Aviation Battalion
(Assault Helicopter)

 Awarded:  Silver Star
Date action:  16 October 1967
Theater:  Republic of Vietnam
Reason:

For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving
conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First
Lieutenant Hudgins distinguished himself exceptionally valorous
action on 16 October 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Com-
pany D, 227th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) during a rescue
mission near Que Son, Republic of Vietnam.  When a helicopter crashed
into enemy controlled territory, Lieutenant Hudgins provided a heavy
volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions, enabling a rescue
helicopter to safely land.  Disregarding his own safety, Lieutenant
Hudgins hovered his aircraft at a low altitude over the hostile forti-
fications, drawing the enemy fire to himself and away from the rescue
helicopter.  Exposing himself to the hostile ground fire for an ex-
tended period of time, he remained in the area until the wounded crew-
members were safely extracted.  Lieutenant Hudgins' gallant action is
in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and
reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States
Army.

Authority:  By direction of the President, under the provisions of the Act of
            Congress, approved 9 July 1918

        FOR THE COMMANDER:

OFFICIAL:                                            GEORGE W. PUTNAM JR.
                                                     Colonel, GS  
                                                     Chief of Staff

DONALD W. CONNELLY
LTC, AGC
Adjutant General