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Navy Federal Credit Union

Lieutenant, Junior Grade John William Thornton (NSN: 0-391003), United States Naval Reserve, was captured by Communist forces after his helicopter was shot down on 31 March 1951, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his release in Operation Big Switch on 10 September 1953.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Utility Squadron One ( HU-1 )

    Action Date:

    March 16, 1951
    All Hands (March 1952)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant, Junior Grade John William Thornton (NSN: 0-391003), United States Naval Reserve, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Pilot of a Helicopter in Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE (HU-1), in action against enemy forces in the vicinity of Wonsan, Korea, on 16 March 1951.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Helicopter Utility Squadron One ( HU-1 )

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1951

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade John William Thornton (NSN: 0-391003), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Pilot of a helicopter serving with Navy Helicopter Utility Squadron ONE ( HU-1 ), in action against enemy aggressor forces near Wonsan, Korea, on 31 March 1951. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thornton volunteered for the dangerous mission of rescuing a key intelligence unit trapped on a high ridge behind enemy lines. First to arrive at the scene, he daringly attempted a landing on a small clearing atop the ridge and, although his craft was wrecked during this intricate operation, quickly extricated himself and prepared to direct other helicopters as they arrived to rescue the marooned personnel. Undaunted by the hail of small arms fire from the fast converging hostile forces, he gallantly refused to be evacuated and continued to direct the hovering helicopters as they hoisted three men into their aircraft and departed. After requesting one of the rescue pilots to return to the area with guns and ammunition, he was last seen firing his rifle at the enemy besiegers. By his exceptional resourcefulness, he was directly responsible for the safe evacuation of three men possessing vital intelligence. His outstanding courage, valiant fighting spirit and selfless devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Thornton and the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy and Marine Corps Medal

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1960
    All Hands (December 1962)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Commander John William Thornton (NSN: 0-391003), United States Naval Reserve, for heroic conduct in effecting the rescue of the co-pilot of a U.S. Navy helicopter which crashed and burned in a wooded area near Medford, New Jersey, on 15 August 1960, killing the pilot upon impact. Occupying a rear passenger seat in the helicopter, Commander Thornton managed to free himself from the wreckage and, although his flight clothing was saturated with gasoline and his shoulder badly injured, re-entered the helicopter with another passenger to remove the helpless co-pilot to safety. Moments later, the aircraft was consumed by intense fire. By his instinctive leadership, cool courage, and selfless efforts in risking his own life to save that of another, he upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.