John William Thornton

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John William Thornton (391003), Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (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 (j.g.) 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 him- self 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 (j.g.) Thornton and the United States Naval Service.