Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Danielle Kopeikin, Arkington, Virginia — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:12:58 GMT

Incredible story of friendship, responsibility and courage.
I wish some of the forgotten MIA's had a chance to be rescued by such men as the Petty Officer M. Thornton and Lieutenant T. Norris.
I wish you both the best!

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Gy. Sgt. J.W. Jjles USMC — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:00:39 GMT

In 1990, while serving with A Co. 2nd AAv Bn, 2nd Marine Division, I had the honor of meeting Iron Mike Thornton, who at the time was OIC of a SeaBee unit aboard the same ship as I, on the way to the first Gulf War. He was known as Iron Mike by his men and also the Marines aboard, not only for his Vietnam exploits, but for the fact that he was the essence of a warrior and leader. He lived by a code of honor and devotion to duty that all should aspire to.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

PO1 C Massie, USN/SSG C Massie US Army retired — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:42:49 GMT

I had the distinct pleasure of serving with Ensign Thornton. He has a truely commanding presence. His leadership skills were exemplary and he was respected by all.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

George A Hock Tarzana, California. 91356 — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 23:06:41 GMT

I met Mama Mike at BUD/S Training in Coronado in 75. He was my proctor for Class 84, my friend and my steering committee. He was revered and feared on the Silver Strand. Mike is like Nuclear Fission walking on two tree trunks. He was a role model like no other. Thank God he's on our side. God Bless Mike Thornton.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Ed Myers — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:57:35 GMT

I had the wonderful opportunity to be one of the photographers on the most recent MoH conventions, which took place in Green Bay 2007. Mr. Thornton displayed the utmost in professionalism and genuine down to earth personalities. While joking with him on the sidelines before the Packer/Eagles game, he confessed he'd love to be on the field without pads as he had found a love for Rugby.

It is a great tribute to each of the MOH recipients to say they truly are the best of the best. Humble to the core, and good people. As a former SF sergeant...I was extremely proud to be around such giants and heroes. Just reading stories such as Mr. Thornton brought me to tears with pride and understanding the connections with your team members. Each of them are great men, though it will be tough to get them to agree.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Denise Meredith, Lompoc, CA — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:33:45 GMT

I just had the honor of hearing the Lt. speak. His casual description of his incredible acts of heroism wasquite refreshing and awe inspiring. His loyalty to his comrades was amazing. He is truly an American Hero.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

NCC(SW) Mike Wezensky USNRET Constantine, MI — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:42:51 GMT

I had the Honor and privilege of Serving with LT Thornton while he was assigned to the USS SAGINAW (LST 1188) as OIC of a CB Unit. While on station South of Yemen LT Thorton Organized the safe extraction of a USN Oiler that had run aground.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Gary Rossi, San Diego, CA — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:02:06 GMT

To all - I had the absolute pleasure of being Mike Thorton's roommate during the time that he and I attended and completed Dive School. Mike Thorton is not only a team mate, a hero, he is a great friend and will sacrifice anything for his friends. I was an honor living on a day to day basis with this true American Warrior. Thanks Mike for the memories!!!!

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Donovan Cuthbertson Belmont, NC — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:57:31 GMT

I am extremely proud to say that Mike Thorton is my cousin. His heroic story is a proud tale that is to this day produces goosebumps. I wish that I had half the patriotism and dedication that Mike possesses. It is actions of Mike and others that allow the rest of us to claim the freedoms that we have today. Thanks to every man and woman who has served or is serving in our military today. With the utmost respect I say thank you.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Sean Hall — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 04:30:43 GMT

Mike Thorton is a good man, I served with him on the USS Edenton (ATS 1) in 1987-1988, I was one of his rocks but he inspired me to do something with my life. After I got out of the Navy, I became a career merchant Marine and currently hold an officers engineering license. Since Katrina I have been attending college, working on mechanical engineering degree. Mr. T. if you do read these blogs I would like to say, THANK YOU!!!, You’re the one that made me evaluate where I was going in life. Oh ya I did learn to overcome that sea sickness. Hurricane Bob and a few real ships working out of Diego Garcia broke me in. Mr. T. again thank you and Hope your enjoying your retirement.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Ken Johnson, Geneva, Ohio — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 20:26:37 GMT

I Had the honor to Serve with Iron LT Mike Thorton with Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 out of Little Creek Virginia Before, During, and After the Gulf war,1989-1991 . I have to say he was a good luitnent and every one listened when he spoke. We all had great respect for him . I also was at his retirement cerimony It was amaing the friends and Washington Officials who were there.Thanks for your friendship and Leadership SW-2 Kenneth Johnson.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Richard Fleek, Dearborn, MI — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:58:22 GMT

I had the honor of having dinner with LT. Mike Thornton the night before Memorial Day 2009. LT. Thornton was the grand marshall for the city of Dearborn Michigan. I was lucky enough to be on the parade committee.

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Mike Matson, Baird, TX — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:15:53 GMT

I had the honor and distinct priviledge of meeting and saluting LT Mike Thorton onboard the USS Manitowoc (LST 1180)in 1990 prior to our deployment for Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
LCDR Mike Matson

Medal of Honor: Michael E. Thornton

Mrs. James W. Webb — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:43:19 GMT

My husband, Jim, just relayed the story of traveling along side you on I-45 this past weekend. The first thing he did when he got to his computer was look you up. The honor he felt in having had a brief conversation with you was extrodinary. Having served in the Viet Nam war when soldiers were unappreciated, he felt a connection with a brother (not a shipmate). Life lessons learned -- pay it forward, what comes around goes around. The week of Veterans' Day my husband had the oh so fortunate opportunity to have a conversation with a Medal of Honor recipient.