Leo K. Thorsness: F-105 Thud Pilot, Medal of Honor Recipient

Shot down a Mig-17, rescued downed pilots, P.O.W for 6 years

Wild Weasel pilot Leo K. Thorsness was on a mission over North Vietnam hunting radar and SAM installations when all hell broke loose. After destroying two missile batteries on his own, one of his fellow Thud pilot’s got shot down by a Mig-17. Leo raced back to provide air cover and in the process shot down a Mig-17 with his own F-105: a plane not designed for dogfighting. More Migs showed up and low on fuel, Leo raced to get more and get back into the fight. He damaged another Mig-17 with cannon fire, directed the rescue of the downed airmen, and still made it back to base with empty gas tanks. He was later shot down by a Mig-21 and captured, spending six years being tortured in prison. Besides the Medal of Honor, he was awarded: 2 Silver Stars, Legion of Merit, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, and 10 Air Medals.

He was a crack pilot and a brave man who suffered for his country. Valor is in you. Set it free.