Alan Brudno was born on June 4, 1940, in Quincy, Massachusetts. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on February 5, 1963, and went on active duty beginning April 21, 1963. Lt Brudno next attended Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Craig AFB, Alabama, in May 1964, followed by F-4C Phantom II Combat Crew Training and Pilot Systems Operator training in November 1964. He was assigned to the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at George AFB, California, in December 1964, and deployed with the unit to Southeast Asia in August 1965. Lt Brudno was forced to eject over North Vietnam on October 18, 1965, and was immediately captured and taken as a Prisoner of War. After spending 2,675 days in captivity, Capt Brudno was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. He was hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Westover AFB, Massachusetts, and died on June 3, 1973. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 1st (of 2) Silver Star Citation reads:

First Lieutenant Edward A. Brudno distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an F-4C Fighter-Bomber over Southeast Asia on 18 October 1965. On that date, Lieutenant Brudno was assigned the mission of destroying an important highway bridge complex located deep in hostile territory. The objective was known to be heavily defended and the weather conditions in the area were minimal. By the time Lieutenant Brudno had arrived over the target, the opposing forces had been alerted and were directing murderous fire at his aircraft. Although his aircraft sustained a direct hit, Lieutenant Brudno continued to press the attack until battle damage rendered his aircraft completely uncontrollable. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Brudno has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.