Air Force pilot cited for bravery
Over North Vietnam Air Force Maj.Leo K.Thorsness from the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron and his electronic warfare officer Capt.
Harold E.Johnson destroy two enemy surface-to-air missile sites and then shoot down a MiG-17 before escorting search-and-rescue helicopters to a downed aircrew.Although his F-105 fighter-bomber was very low on fuel Major Thorsness attacked four more MiG-17s in an effort to draw the enemy aircraft away from the downed aircrew.
Awarded the Medal of Honor for his courageous action this day Major Thorsness did not receive his medal until 1973on April 30 1967 he was shot down over North Vietnam and spent the next six years as a prisoner of war.
