Michael Edwin Thornton (born March 23, 1949) is a retired United States Navy SEAL and recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer Michael Edwin Thornton was presented the Medal of Honor for military valor during the Vietnam War.

Feb 2, 2022 · Close to a year after his heroics in Vietnam, on October 15, 1973, Michael Thornton received the Medal of Honor at the White House from President Richard Nixon.

Michael Thornton was one of only 15 U.S. Navy personnel, (three of them SEALs), who received the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

Jul 26, 2024 · Michael Edwin Thornton (born March 23, 1949) is a retired United States Navy SEAL and recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.

MEDAL OF HONOR ACTION: ON OCTOBER 31, 1972, THORNTON TOOK PART IN AN OPERATION AGAINST AN ENEMY RIVER BASE TO CAPTURE PRISONERS AND GAIN INTELLIGENCE. SOON AFTER LANDING, THE PATROL CAME UNDER ENEMY FIRE. A HEAVY FIREFIGHT ENSUED AS THORNTON AND THOSE NEAR HIM ACTED TO PREVENT ENCIRCLEMENT.

On Oct. 15, 1973 and with Norris in the audience, for his action saving the lives of Norris and the other members of the team, Petty Officer Mike Thornton became the first enlisted SEAL Medal of Honor recipient. Three years later, their roles were reversed.

The SEAL officer rescued by Petty Officer Thornton was Lieutenant Thomas Norris, who six months earlier earned the Medal of Honor in the daring rescue of two downed airmen.

medal of honor recipient “The Medal of Honor is a poignant reminder of the tremendous price that some Americans have been willing to pay to protect the lives and liberty of others. Indeed,...

Jan 26, 2024 · Michael Thornton's fearless dive back into peril to save his comrade captures the heart of the Medal of Honor—it's not just a medal. It's a testament to real-life heroism and selfless courage. The harrowing swim after an intense battle exemplifies why SEALs are …