From County Executive, Steve Neuhaus:
"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of retired Lieutenant General James Donald Hughes. Better known as General Don Hughes to his friends, he was born in Balmville (Newburgh), graduated from West Point and completed an incredible career in the armed forces. This included multiple combat missions and numerous awards and decorations. He flew several aircraft including the P-51 Mustang and F4 Phantom. He began his career in the Army Air Corps and ended with the Air Force. I had the pleasure of knowing him from my early days working for the City of Newburgh. He had some incredible stories including one where he watched one of the Apollo Capsules re-enter the atmosphere and land near an aircraft carrier he was on. He gave the President of the United States his binoculars to see the capsule. He was a Purple Heart Recipient and was the last living member of the legendary “Genisus Group” along w the Senator Bill Larkin, Joe Farina and Everett Smith. From the first time I met him in 1996 he was advocating for the Purple Heart Hall of Honor which he and his three teammates were able to celebrate its creation in 2006. Don was 100 years old and predeceased by the love of his life Bette. Here is a link to his obituary and arrangements. https://www.brooksfh.com/ "
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