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June 2017
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boatingonthehudson.com
Leo Thorsness, Medal of
Honor Winner, passes at age 85.
No matter how you feel
about the Vietnam war, you
cannot possibly question the
valor, heroism and sacrifice of
men who served during that
controversial era!
Colonel Leo R. Thorsness (he
was promoted to Colonel upon
his death) is one such person.
The most highly decorated
American airman who received
the Medal of Honor while he
was a captive in the infamous
Hanoi Hilton. Senator John
MaCain was also a prisoner of
war at that location during the
same time frame.
In April 1967 the skies were filled with Migs supposedly flown by North
Vietnamese pilots, (there was always a question as to whether or not
Russian pilots were also flying with the North Vietnamese)
The skies were also filled with Russian SAM Missiles. (As a matter of
fact he was one of the famous Wild Weasels. This group of fighter pilots,
including Major Thorsness was assigned to take out the Sam Missiles,
which were a direct threat to the American Fighter bombers.) On top of
that anti aircraft fire was extremely intense.
Major Thorsness shot down one Mig, and was protecting his wingman
that was hit by antiaircraft fire, and had ejected from his F105 along
with his weapons specialist, this pair were captured. With low fuel Major
Thorsness passed up the opportunity to refuel by an aerial tanker, instead
decided to head for a safe airfield in Thailand 70 miles away. By pulling
back his power and essentially gliding he made it to the Thailand Airfield,
landing “long”.
Eleven days later, on his 93rd mission, with only seven missions to finish
his tour, his F105 was hit by anti aircraft fire over North Vietnam. He was
captured and spent the next 6 years in captivity. ONE FULL YEAR WAS
SPENT IN SOLITARY CONFINMENT. Along with his fellow prisoners he
was servely beaten, treated with extreme cruelty but they never broke
his spirit.
After returning home from his terrible ordeals, he served as a state
senator for one year.
Colonel Thorsness is an outstanding example of what
patriotism is all about!
It’s A
Matter of
Patriotism!
The F105, flown by Maj Thorsness and Capt Johnson on 19 April 1967.t
Major Thorsness speaking at a 2007 event
commemorating the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force