James J. Hudson was born in Arkansas in 1919 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He became a fighter pilot and saw action in North Africa, Italy and France. After the war, Hudson attended the University of Arkansas where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1948 and his master's degree in 1949. He completed his Ph.D. in history from the University of California in 1952. He then began teaching military and Civil War history at the University of Arkansas where he later became dean of the Graduate School in War. During these years, Dr. Hudson continued his military career as well and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1969 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He died in 1991.
From the description of James J. Hudson collection, 1918-1990. (US Air Force Academy). WorldCat record id: 744462812
