Fall River hero to be played on the big screen in new film to hit theaters this year

A movie is set to hit the big screen that is based on one of Fall River’s true heroes.

Devotion, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name by Adam Makos, tells the inspirational true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots who helped turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War: Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in Navy history and his fellow fighter pilot and friend, Tom Hudner. Their heroic sacrifices and enduring friendship would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

Captain Thomas Hudner, who was born and raised in Fall River, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on April 13, 1951 by President Harry S. Truman for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.

The USS THOMAS HUDNER (DDG 116), the 66th ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyer was also named after Hudner in 2018.

As told by the Commissioning Committee of the ship that bears his name, “on December 4, 1950, pilots from VF-32, including both Hudner and Brown, were flying a mission in support of the Marines who were in the midst of a fighting withdrawal from Chosin Reservoir. During the mission, Brown’s Corsair was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he was forced to crash land. Violating a standing order not to attempt to land and aid downed pilots, Hudner purposely crash landed his own plane to provide aid to Brown. Even with an injury to his back caused by his crash landing, Hudner remained with Brown until a rescue helicopter arrived on the scene. Hudner worked with the helicopter pilot in the sub-zero, snow-laden area in an attempt to free Brown from the smoking wreckage of his aircraft.”

Hudner passed away on November 13, 2017, in Concord Massachusetts.

In September of 2021, the visitor’s center at Heritage State Park was named the Captain Thomas J. Hudner Jr. Memorial Building at Heritage State Park.

Jonathan Majors, who you may recognize from the movie Jungleland that shot scenes in Fall River, plays Jesse Brown in the film and Glen Powell plays Hudner. Joe Jonas of Jonas Brothers fame is also featured.

The flick has received critical acclaim. Anna Miller of “Awards Watch” stated that there is grit, passion, heartbreak, humor and love sprinkled throughout and it is sure to be a popular and likable watch amongst audiences.

Devotion, which was directed and executive produced by JD Dillard, will be released to theaters on November 23rd.