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Heroic Score167582nd out of 4480
Number of Medals33
Total Heroic & Non-Heroic Score22992 of 4480
U.S. Navy#64of 703
Special operations#22of 41
Vietnam War#90of 217
Gulf War#1of 5
Michael E. Thornton
Lieutenant, U.S. Navy
Vietnam WarGulf War
Awards & Decorations
- Medal of Honor
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star Medalw/ 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
- Purple Heartw/ 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
- Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3)
- Combat Action Ribbon (2)
- Navy Unit Commendation (2)
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (2)
- Good Conduct Medal (United States) (6)
- Navy Expeditionary Medal
- National Defense Service Medal (2)
- Vietnam Service Medal (3)
- Southwest Asia Service Medal (3)
- Humanitarian Service Medal
Ribbon Rack
Biography
Michael Edwin Thornton is a retired United States Navy SEAL who served during the Vietnam War. He is a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, which was awarded to him for his heroic actions on October 31, 1972, during which he saved the life of his commanding officer, Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, who was also a Medal of Honor recipient.
Thornton's military career spanned several decades, during which he was highly decorated for both his combat valor and his leadership. His assignments included multiple deployments in Southeast Asia, where he demonstrated exceptional bravery and tactical skill as a Navy SEAL. His actions in Vietnam remain one of the most celebrated examples of buddy-rescue in modern military history.
Following his combat service in Vietnam, Thornton continued his career in the Navy, eventually retiring at the rank of Lieutenant. He remains an active figure in the military community, advocating for veterans and preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor.
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Score Breakdown
Medal of Honor(base 100)
+100Silver Star(base 45)
+45Unified Scoring Metrics Bonuses(career variety ×1.15 (2 medal types))
+22Heroic Score167 pts