The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant [then Ensign] Gary Lynn Thornton (NSN: 0-4733986), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight on 12 February 1967 while serving as radar intercept officer of an F-4B aircraft in Fighter Squadron NINETY-SIX (VF-96), embarked in U.S.S. ENTERPRISE (CVA(N)-65). Lieutenant Thornton was flying on an armed escort mission for a photographic reconnaissance aircraft which was subsequently shot down in enemy territory in close proximity to multiple anti-aircraft defenses. Despite the intense enemy anti-aircraft fire, he assisted in locating the survivors, in establishing their positions, and in successfully coordinating the rescue effort. While under continuous intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Thornton achieved a radar lock on an enemy vessel approaching the survivors, leading to an aggressive attack which deterred the enemy junk from further attempts to capture the downed airmen. By his outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Thornton rendered invaluable assistance in saving the two downed airmen from imminent capture, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
September 1969 – January 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Gary Lynn Thornton (NSN: 0-4733986), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from September 1969 to January 1973. During this period, although under constant surveillance from his captors, he performed duties involving highly classified material in an exemplary and professional manner. Through his zealousness and ingenuity, he generated new ideas and improvised techniques greatly enhancing covert operations. Although in a hostile environment, he never wavered in his devotion and loyalty to the United States and his fellow prisoners. By his inspiring courage, exceptional skill, and resourcefulness, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces. (Lieutenant Commander Thornton is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 1967 – March 1973
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Commander Gary Lynn Thornton (NSN: 0-4733986), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 1967 to March 1973. Under the most adverse of conditions, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in causes detrimental to the United States, never wavering in his devotion and loyalty to the United States. Despite the adversities of confinement, he performed such duties and responsibilities as assigned by superiors and required of the Code of Conduct in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Displaying extraordinary courage, resourcefulness, and dedication throughout this period of imprisonment, he reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 25, 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Gary Lynn Thornton (NSN: 0-4733986), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam on 25 February 1967. Lieutenant Commander Thornton’s captors, completely ignoring international agreements, subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions for propaganda purposes. Through his resistance to those brutalities, he contributed significantly toward the eventual abandonment of harsh treatment by the North Vietnamese, which was attracting international attention. By his determination, courage, resourcefulness, and devotion, Lieutenant Commander Thornton reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Naval Service and the United States Armed Forces.
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 20, 1967 – March 4, 1973
Lieutenant Commander Gary Lynn Thornton (NSN: 0-4733986), United States Navy, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 20, 1967 until his release on March 4, 1973.