AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight on 12 February 1967 while serving as radar intercept officer of an F4B aircraft in Fighter Squadron Ninety-six, embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVS(N)-65). Lieutenant (then Ensign) Thornton was flying on an armed escort mission for a photographic reconnaissance aircraft which was subsequently shot down in enemy territory in close proximity to mulitple anti-aircraft defenses. Despite the intense enemy anti-aicraft fire, he assisted in locating the survivors, in establishing their positions and in successfully coordinating the rescue effort. While under continuous intense hostile fire, Lieutenant Thornton achieved a radar lock on an enemny vessel approaching the survivors, leading to an aggressive attack which deterred the enemy junk from further attempts to capture the downed airmen. By his outstanding skill, courage and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Thornton rendered invaluable assistance in saving the two downed airmen from imminent capture, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.