Lowell B. Hudson served in the United States Army Air Force from 1942 through 1945. He flew 30 missions in B-17 bombers as part of the 487th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force stationed in Lavenham, England. Shot down over Belgium on December 24, 1944, he was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered. He was also awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, three Bronze Battle Stars, and four Overseas Service Stars. Mr. Hudson was a member of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, the 487th Bomb Group Association, and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He often traveled to see restored B-17s at air shows throughout the United States, and was a frequent visitor to the National Air and Space Museum.