Navy Federal Credit Union

Before being wounded and sent home to recover in 1943, Harrison Thyng became an ACE credited with the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 2 probables and 3 damaged between August 1942 and May 1943. He was commander of the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing in Korea from November 1951 to October 1952, during which time he was credited with the destruction of 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 4 damaged, for a two-war total of 10 destroyed in the air, 3 probables, and 7 damaged. He was one of only 7 Americans to become an ace in two wars. He retired in 1966 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 6, 1951 – May 26, 1952

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 369 (July 21,1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer, 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea, from 6 November 1951 to 26 May 1952. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Thyng and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Group

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 28, 1951

    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 373 (July 30, 1952)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against an armed enemy of the United Nations while Serving as Pilot of an F-86 Sabrejet Fighter-Bomber and while leading a Squadron of F-86 type aircraft from the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Group, FIFTH Air Force, on 28 November 1951. On a counter air mission in the area of Naechongjong, North Korea, Colonel Thyng spotted ten enemy MiG-15s, flying toward friendly Fighter-Bombers attacking rail supply lines in the area. Colonel Thyng, displaying a high degree of courage, leadership and tactical skill, immediately initiated an aggressive attack on the formation. His wingman called that his aircraft had been hit and that he was still being fired upon. Although outnumbered, Colonel Thyng disregarded personal safety and remained to fight aggressively until he could bring his guns to bear upon the MiG that had downed his wingman. Firing a short burst from close range and obtaining strikes on the enemy fuselage, Colonel Thyng continued to press his attack in such a manner at low altitude as to cause the enemy aircraft to crash. Immediately, Colonel Thyng opened fire on another MiG-15 observing several strikes on the left wing. Although extremely low on fuel, alone, and with approximately fifty MiG-15s still in the area, Colonel Thyng, remained for several minutes attempting to locate his wingman. The high personal courage, superior flying ability and leadership displayed by Colonel Thyng reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of F-86 type aircraft from the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Pursuit Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 19, 1942

    Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 14 (February 7, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 309th Pursuit Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial operations as top cover for a rescue mission of a downed pilot on 19 August 1942, near Dieppe, France. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Thyng, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Pursuit Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer, 309th Pursuit Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Pursuit Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    Headquarters, XII Air Support Command, General Orders No. 17 (May 1, 1943)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane and as Commanding Officer of the 309th Pursuit Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action in the European Theater of Operations, in 1942 and 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Major Thyng, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Thyng and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of F-86 type aircraft from the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, FIFTH Air Force, in Korea. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    309th Pursuit Squadron

    Regiment:

    31st Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major (Air Corps) Harrison Reed Thyng (AFSN: 0-4414A/0-33996), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot and Commanding Officer, 309th Pursuit Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.