Leo K. Thorsness
Leo Keith Thorsness (February 14, 1932 – May 2, 2017) was an American colonel in the United States Air Force and politician. He was born in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.
Thorsness received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal for an air engagement on April 19, 1967. He was shot down two weeks later and spent six years in captivity in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war with future United States Senator John McCain. After his military service, Thorsness served one term in the Washington State Senate from 1988 through 1992 after beating the current State Senator Eugene V. Lux. He was a Republican.
In 1974, Thorsness ran for the United States senate in South Dakota, but lost the general election to George McGovern.
Thorsness died on May 2, 2017 in St. Augustine, Florida from leukemia at the age of 85.[1]
Leo K. Thorsness Media
The F-105F, AF Ser. No. 63-8301, flown by Maj Thorsness and Capt Johnson on April 19, 1967.
Thorsness speaking at a 2007 event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force
The Medal of Honor, United States Air Force version
References
- ↑ "Medal of Honor recipient Leo K. Thorsness dies at age 85". Stars and Stripes. May 3, 2017. Retrieved May 3, 2017.
Other websites
- Graphic depiction of 63–8301 Archived 2007-06-30 at the Wayback Machine Note: on the date of the MoH mission, tail codes were not yet in use in the USAF
- American Valor – Leo K. Thorsness
- Air Force bio, Leo K. Thorsness Archived 2006-05-16 at the Wayback Machine
- Thorsness Bio Archived 2006-07-18 at the Wayback Machine
- POW Network bio that includes his legislative efforts on behalf of MIA's
- Interview at the Pritzker Military Museum & Library
- Leo K. Thorsness at Find a Grave
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