SGT. JOHN "HUTCH" HUDGENS
(79th. Fighter Squadron Operations)
 Hailing originally from San Angelo, Texas, Sgt. John Hudgens joined the 20th.FG prior to the Group's deployment overseas and underwent training in Ontario, California. Upon ariving in England, he was assigned to the Operations Section of the 79th.FS.Many of the photographs on this site were saved and collected by Hudgens at the end of the war. According to his sister, Hazel La Munyon, he was ordered to destroy them but he didn't have the heart. He instead placed them into three or four large photo albums, methodically adding every individual's name on the back of every image. Unknowingly he helped to preserve the history of the 20th. Fighter Group for us all. Jack Ilfrey, the editor of the Association's newsletter King's Cliffe Remembered used these albums as a prime source of images once La Munyon presented him with the albums. "He was a 'keep in touch' guy. Year after year for more than forty years many of us heard from Hutch. His letters brought us up to date with the news of the 20th. members. His greatest joy was the formation of the 20th. Fighter Group Association at the Orlando 8th.AF Historical Society meeting in October, 1980. His 'family' finally was alive and well and ready to thrive. "Loyal as a friend-earnest in his desire to increase membership-always helpful at each reunion-a take charge person.
"We will miss you Hutch. We will never forget your quiet charm and your ever smiling face as you greeted each one of your family at each reunion. We will continue to feel your presence every year. Sorry you had to leave us so soon. May you rest in peace." (Reprinted from A long time supporter and member of the 20th. Fighter Group Association, and the first Secretary of the organization, he attended many of the Association's reunions until his passing in 1988. The Association then created a fund in his name to assist in helping members attend the reunions. Hazel La Munyon remains very active in the organization today and continues her brother's good work. |
RETURN TO THE 20TH.FG
(Photograph courtesy of John Hudgens via Hazel La Munyon and Jack Ilfrey)
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