Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Henry
Garfield
Thorne
, Jr.
1913

–

July 5, 2010

Born:

Waco

, 

Texas

Home:

Atlanta

, 

Georgia

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Henry Thorne transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1969 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General Henry Garfield Thorne, Jr. (ASN: 6379109), United States Air Force, was awarded 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 Thorne 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 Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    414th Fighter Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Henry Garfield Thorne, Jr. (ASN: 6379109), 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 of the 414th Fighter Group, in action in the Pacific Theater of Operations 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 Force of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    414th Fighter Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Henry Garfield Thorne, Jr. (ASN: 6379109), 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 of the 414th Fighter Group, in action in the Pacific Theater of Operations 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 Force of the United States.

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Corps

    Rank:

    Private

    Batallion:

    79th Pursuit Squadron

    Action Date:

    May 15, 1934
    War Department, General Orders No. 3 (1935)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Private Henry Garfield Thorne, Jr. (ASN: 6379109), United States Army Air Corps, for heroism, not involving actual conflict with an enemy, displayed while serving with 79th Pursuit Squadron, in rescuing Private Edward E. Almond, 79th Pursuit Squadron, Air Corps, from drowning in Red River near Shreveport, Louisiana, 15 May 1934. Two airplanes had crashed and fallen into the river, Private Thorne and two companions volunteered to swim out to the submerged planes with a rope in an effort to anchor them. Fastening the rope around his neck with twine, Private Almond took the lead and entered the water about 300 yards from the planes, but when about 40 yards from the wreckage the rope tightened and pulled him under the surface in the swift current, Private Thorne, realizing the plight of his comrade, went to his assistance, removed the rope, and floated him to a place of safety.