John G. Hudgins of Charleston, Kanawha County, West Virginia, served as a Captain with the 12th Medical Battalion, Philippine Scouts in the United States Army during World War II. John served with great gallantry in the Philippines, but was captured as a prisoner of war when the remaining troops on the islands were forced to surrender to the invading army in May, 1942.
John was held as a prisoner of war in the Philippines for two years. While being transported to Japan on the Brazil Maru, John lost his life on January 26, 1945.
John's body was buried at sea. In recognition of his honorable service in World War II, and for his ultimate sacrifice, John G. Hudgins's name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in Manila, Philippines, and John's was one of the original names inscribed on the West Virginia Veterans Memorial.