AWARDED DFC: 5
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  F-105

Citation:  1.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leo K. Thorsness for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot in Southeast Asia on 2 December 1966. On that date, Major Thorsness led a flight of four F-105 aircraft on a combat support mission in one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite marginal weather, intense, accurately directed hostile ground fire, and surface-to-air missiles, Major Thorsness with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill made devastating attacks against surface-to-air missile sites in the primary target area. Disregarding his personal safety, Major Thorsness remained in the area for several minutes and exposed himself repeatedly to the hostile gunlaying and surface-to-air missile guidance radars in order to call out warning on the hostile activity thereby permitting the F-105 fighter-bombers that he was supporting to enter and depart the target area fully aware of the enemy threat. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Thorsness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

2.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leo K. Thorsness for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat crew member in Southeast Asia on 5 December 1966. On that date, while under intense and accurate fire from unfriendly forces, Major Thorsness demonstrated cool courage, undaunted determination, and superior skill in pressing home devastating air attacks against hostile positions. Persevering in the face of danger, he relentlessly and effectively aided in neutralizing the hostile forces. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Thorsness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

3.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leo K. Thorsness for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot near Haiphong, North Vietnam on 2 January 1967. On that date, Major Thorsness aggressively engaged numerous surface-to-air missile sites in support of a special friendly forces MIG Sweep mission. In spite of bad weather and poor visibility, heavy anti-aircraft fire, and hostile aircraft activity, Major Thorsness was so effective in his SAM suppression mission that not one missile was fired at any of the friendly interceptor aircraft. His efforts directly contributed to the overall mission results of seven MIG 21's destroyed with no friendly losses. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Thorsness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

4.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leo K. Thorsness for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot near Vinh, North Vietnam on 13 January 1967. On that date, Major Thorsness was the Pilot of the lead aircraft of four F-105's. -While performing the mission of searching out and destroying hostile radar-controlled gun and surface-to-air missile defenses, Major Thorsness discovered and was subsequently responsible for the destruction of a large convoy of loaded trucks and numerous heavily loaded river barges carrying military supplies. Despite unfavorable weather conditions and heavy anti-aircraft defenses in the area, Major Thorsness remained in the target area and acted as a Forward Air Controller, successfully directing several strike flights against these lucrative targets. He left the area twice to refuel, only to return to continue directing the attacks. His accurate assessment of the situation and positive aggressive actions were directly responsible for the outstanding accomplishment of the mission. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Thorsness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

5.) The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major Leo K. Thorsness for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-105F Pilot near Thai Nguyen, North Vietnam on 18 April 1967. On that date, Major Thorsness was the Pilot of the lead aircraft in a four ship F-105F SAM suppression mission. Disregarding his own personal safety, he effectively suppressed the surface-to-air missile activity in the target area of the fighter-bomber force. Through his leadership and ability each of the two elements in his flight was successful in attacking and destroying a surface-to-air missile installation. In spite of heavy ground fire and surface-to-air missile threats, Major Thorsness remained in the area and aggressively engaged the threatening surface-to-air missile sites. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Thorsness reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.