USAF Col. Leo Thorsness, MOH recipient, Obituary

Wishful

"Land of the free, because of the brave..."
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  • A Thud "Wild Weasel" pilot downed on his 93rd mission, only 7 short for end of tour
  • 6-year Hanoi Hilton POW (w/one in solitary confinement); cellmate of Sen. McCain
  • MOH received for actions taken on 88th mission

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/03/...on&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0

04thorsness-obit-1-master768.jpg
 
Thank you for posting. With the over-used term "hero" these days, it's moving to read about someone who truly deserved the name.

And for general knowledge, if you have never heard of it, the Navy runs a research center on POWs, from all services and conflicts. The data is used to help understand how people survive being a POW, not just physically, but mentally.

http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/rpow/Pages/default.aspx
 
Had the great honor to meet Col Thorsness when I was a cadet...a very humble, friendly gent.

VERY typical of the MOH recipients I've had the honor to meet or know.

"A Toast..."

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
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