Colonel Leo Thorsness served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam. He was a Wild Weasel, whose missions required them to draw surface-to-air (SAM) missiles away from bombers, and then destroy the SAM sites. This meant that Weasels spent sometimes more than 20 minutes over the target, as opposed to the one or two minutes bomber pilots spent.
On one mission, COL Thorsness’ wingman was shot down, forcing him to eject. As he parachuted to the ground, rescue helicopters were called in to rescue him, but they were threatened by encroaching enemy fighters. Despite being incredibly low on fuel, Thorsness fought off the enemy, saving his wingman and the rescue helicopters.
Eleven days later, Thorsness was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese Army. He was captured, and became a prisoner of war. During his first three years in captivity, torture was common. After six years, he was released and sent home.
Shortly after returning to the United States, COL Thorsness was awarded the Medal of Honor for saving his wingman.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Pentagon: Col. Sam Hartwell
The Battle of Ia Drang: SP5 Jon Wallenius
The Man Who Broke the Sound Barrier: Brig. Gen. Chuck Yeager
Bomb Disposal in Bosnia: MCPO Ken Falke
The Marine Scout Sniper Program: Maj Edward James Land Jr.
Web-Exclusive: Surviving a Helicopter Crash w/SSG Mark Lalli
Youngest Flying Ace in Korea: Lt Col Hank Buttelmann
My Story: Lt. Ken Harbaugh
Bullet Through the Jaw: COL Walter Joseph Marm Jr.
Overcoming Trauma: CSM Tonya Oxendine
Introducing: Everything Everywhere Daily (Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto)
The Battle of Anzio: COL Young Oak Kim Part II
The Battle of Monte Cassino: COL Young Oak Kim Part I
Battalion XO in Iraq: Lt. Col. Joseph Kopser
The Airmobile Concept: LTG Harry Kinnard
Tunnel Rat in Vietnam: CAPT John Cotter
Reflecting on Vietnam Part II: Col. John Anthony Cash
Reflecting on Vietnam Part I: Col. John Anthony Cash
5th Ranger Battalion on D-Day: S/Sgt.Charles Klein
Infantryman in Vietnam: SGT Jim Purvis
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Recruiting Future with Matt Alder
Conflicted: A History Podcast
This American President
Professional Book Nerds
FIVE MINUTE NEWS