The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Duane Wilbur Thorin (NSN: 3165995), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a helicopter assigned to Helicopter Squadron ONE, Detachment ONE, Unit THIRTEEN temporarily serving on board the U.S.S. TOLEDO (CA-133), on 9 and 10 November 1951. Chief Thorin, with courageous persistence and utter disregard for his own personal safety, in the face of enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, rescued a pilot sixty miles behind enemy lines in hostile North Korean territory. After being forced to return to base twice by adverse weather conditions and enemy fire, Chief Thorin returned a third time and after a long search located and rescued the downed pilot. His gallant determination and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Duane Wilbur Thorin (NSN: 3165995), United States Navy, for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Helicopter while engaged in a double Air/Sea rescue mission from the U.S.S. ROCHESTER (CA-124), on 22 January 1952, in the Hungnam, Korea area. Acting with outstanding skill and decision, when his crewman was unable to detach the parachute and life raft from a pilot downed in unswept waters within range of enemy shore batteries and small arms fire, he succeeded in lifting the pilot, with the added weight of the water-filled parachute, clear of the sea. His prompt decision to take the pilot to the nearest ship, instead of the ROCHESTER three miles further away, was instrumental in saving the injured pilot’s life. Chief Thorin then returned to pick up a second pilot under small arms fire in the water at the edge of the beach. With superb skill and complete disregard for his own personal safety, he successfully recovered the second pilot remaining only thirty seconds within effective range of the small arms fire. His gallant devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Duane Wilbur Thorin (NSN: 3165995), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Helicopter attached to the U.S.S. ROCHESTER (CA-124) during the period 8 to 13 January 1951, during the rescue and evacuation of the crew of H.M.T.S. PRASAE which was aground in enemy-held territory at Kisaman Tan, Korea. At great personal risk, he made repeated flights to evacuate injured personnel, furnish food and clothing and to pass salvage lines. During this period he evacuated 126 men in the face of the enemy and in extremely adverse weather conditions. His outstanding courage and expert airmanship greatly minimized the loss of life and contributed directly to the success of the evacuation mission. His loyalty and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.