Jack Hudson was born on May 30, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia. He entered the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 27, 1960, and graduated with a commission as a 2d Lt on June 3, 1964. Lt Hudson then completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Craig AFB, Alabama, in August 1965, followed by service as an F-104 Starfighter pilot at the Air Proving Ground Center at Eglin AFB, Florida, where he served until February 1969. He then deployed to Southeast Asia, and was assigned as an A-1 Skyraider pilot with the 602nd Special Operations Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from February 1969 to January 1973. Capt Hudson left active duty on January 23, 1973, and served in the Air Force Reserve until February 27, 1974. After leaving the Air Force, Jack flew for Delta Air Lines from 1970 until his death on March 15, 2002. He was buried at College Park Cemetery in College Park, Georgia.

His Air Force Cross Citation reads:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Jackson L. Hudson, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as the pilot of an A-1E Skyraider in the 602d Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action on 6 October 1969. Captain Hudson led, and was responsible for the success of, one of the largest search and rescue efforts ever attempted in Southeast Asia. With complete disregard for his own safety and despite extremely intense ground fire, he made several low level passes delivering ordnance within ten meters of the survivors' positions. He led and coordinate the final attack which eventually incapacitated an estimated 400 to 600 enemy forces and saved the lives of 54 persons. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Hudson has reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.