December 4, 1950
Today in Korean War History
Day by day chronology

MONDAY, 4 DECEMBER 1950

USN: Six F4U Corsairs from VF-32 took off from USS Leyte (CV-32) on a ground support mission over Chosin Reservoir. Force landed is F4U Corsair 97231 piloted by Ensign Jesse L. Brown (WIA, KIA, BNR, MIA) and wingman F4U Corsair 82050 piloted by Lt(jg) Thomas J. Hudner, Jr. crash landed beside him in an attempt to rescue his flight leader. Brown was pinned in the cockpit and he was unable to free him but spoke with Brown until he expired. Later, Hudner was rescued by helicopter and returned to duty.

USMC: Meanwhile, Sikorsky HO3S-1 helicopter piloted by 1st Lt. Charles C. Ward was dispatched to the crash site and lands. Ward and Hudner attempted to rescued Brown, but were unable to free him before he died and were unable to recover his body before departing.