Medal of Honor recipient Mike Thornton shares his story with theCHIVE

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[@jeffdarnell7942]

Mike, you're a hero to more people than you could imagine. I know you did ALOT more than the issues you received your Medal Of Honor for. This American truly appreciates everything you did for our Great Nation, and if you're ever around Chattanooga, Tennessee...you've got a Meal at your Choice of Restaurants, and whatever and how many ever you want to drink for you and whom EVER you bring, or how many. God Bless You Buddy...

[@jesseyhewitt]

I went to a Cat diesel school with him. I'm proud to call him my friend. Tough as nails and very humble.

[@danielbaugher826]

Wow 🤩 God bless

[@billymcmanus2603]

Mr Thornton,Just wanted to say welcome home and so very glad you made it.I was on board the USS Newport News during the time you and LT Norris was brought on board.I had often wondered if the one who was shot lived,I didn't know for yr's who you all were.Welcome Home!

[@jamesc8676]

Billy MCMANUS My dad did 2 tours in VN, my brother did his tour far to the North. My Uncle was a Green Beret Col., and met up with my dad in Saigon [they'd not seen each other for 20 years] needless to say......these brave men humble me. I was too young but praise God that He created men like this, He is worthy of praise. This man is an inspiration,thank you Billy for your service,so glad you both made it. Love from Hawaii.

[@redtruck6108]

That be cool to remember picking up these guys. All part of history .

[@robaxl3088]

Thank you Billy for your service and God Bless you sir

[@robaxl3088]

*Mr Thornton I want to thank you so much for your bravery,heroism and selflessness..your story touched my soul and made an impact on my life just by listening to you...Thank you so very much Sir.*

[@christian2854]

I agree. Very impactful. If you can't relate to his vigor, compassion and strength, I cannot understand.

[@barfingcoyote210]

Its amazing how quiet it gets and the concentrated efforts of many people to give their utmost attention to one man is palpable.

[@petecastle5762]

Thank you for your service Mr Thornton, and you heroism

[@danielbaugher826]

Amen 🙏

[@lifewithlani2637]

Mike Thornton is a friend and someone I met during a time that both us, I am sure, would like to forget. He is a humble man and usually shuns the spotlight. One day at a time, mt friend.

[@akadacat]

Gonna' buy that book today, what a legend.

[@Aldinonexilus]

This is the most inspiring story I have ever heard regarding war. For him to be able to strategically think like that against those massive odds is amazing. God bless him and Tom Norris. And especially God bless the two Vietnamese Frogmen that were with them. Hoo-yah.

[@joegamble328]

Thank you for your service sir

[@danielbaugher826]

Amen 🙏

[@jamesheath9385]

This is an absolute wonderful, inspiring speech.

[@danielbaugher826]

Amen 🙏

[@jetobey5656]

Tears flowing--because of humility and kindness under the toughest of conditions. I just cannot judge this man. His toughness along with care for his compatriots pierces me into my very heart.

[@shermank6]

Wow, what a story. I'm thankful for the opportunity to hear it, so thanks for sharing this moment. I had the pleasure of hearing Mr. Thornton speak on the Team Never Quit podcast, and after getting to hear this, I'm now off to purchase the book, in print, to join my collection.

[@bobbertee5945]

watch the story when they tell it together.....unreal

[@S62bhas]

God Bless You Sir Ill Remember till I die

[@jodycox1474]

You sir are a badass. Thank you for your service.

[@christian2854]

More important imo he is a good person

[@armandnieuwendam6787]

I met Mister Thornton when he was in the Netherlands with SealTeamTwo for a cross training. We regularly trained with the Seals and English SBS, Special Boat Service at home and abroad. I was in the Amphibious Section in mid-1977 or 1978 consisting of Marines, commandos, frogmen. And was a frogmen for about a year. Was paired with Mike as a budy and did a drill, had to inquire at a Naval base and sabotage and attack warships etcetera. I experience Mr. Thornton as a quiet man, not a braggart but a modest figure with good qualities and qualities. Later I met him in England at the SBS where he was seconded in the context of cross-training. Years later I understood that Mr. Thornton was a war hero, which says enough that he was very modest. By the way, still fond memories of working with the Seals and SF units all over different places. Good times!

[@karldennis448]

His love and respect for his Dad impressed me deeply. Resonated.

[@Dubbletap187]

This guy is beyond anything you can imagine and words have no meaning for him. Hero just doesn’t even cover it in the least.

[@demodog02]

God bless you Sir

[@brandonsayer6079]

Heartfelt respects

[@azbdizzy4176]

I'm a Vietnam veteran with the combat action ribbon but I didn't do nearly as much as Mr Thornton. The one thing that bothers me the most about Vietnam was the politicians pulled all support from South Vietnam and let the communists win the way. If I could ask Thornton a question it would be his thoughts on that. To me the politicians disrespected the sacrifice of a lot of good men.

[@johncarpenter3502]

How I would like to meet Mike Thornton! I spent much of my childhood in Spartanburg, SC and most of my military career as a Navy SEAL.

[@vtwinbuilder3129]

John Carpenter if that’s true it shouldn’t be too hard for you to meet him at a reunion or similar event. I’m not a SEAL but I happen to know they have them quite regularly. The fact that you would say the things you did in your comment makes me think you’re probably lying about being a SEAL...

[@lakisg2289]

Respect.

[@tangoindiamike9189]

Mike Thornton was an enlisted man when he earned his Medal of Honor. He later became an officer. He was my boss at one of my commands at Little Creek Amphibious Base, Virginia Beach, Virginia. He nominated me for the Marvin Shields Award. Marvin Shields is the only Navy Seabee to ever be awarded the Medal of Honor. An award is given in his name to one Seabee annually, and it is the highest award available to Seabees. Unfortunately, I had to inform Lt. Thornton that he needed to rescind my nomination. He just looked at me and said, "you're my guy", meaning that I was HIS choice for the nomination. Then I explained that there is a requirement for nominees to have a full year remaining at the command where nominated, and I will be transferring in two months. Although my nomination had to be rescinded, it was still a great honor to be nominated by this Medal of Honor recipient, for the award named after the only Seabee Medal of Honor recipient.

[@Foldylokx]

Mr. THORNTON 🏅

[@jeremyviromek]

this guy is as badass as it gets. real life chuck norris

[@danielbaugher826]

He’s a terminator

[@stephenpoe2037]

October 31 I had been separated from the Navy for 13 days !

[@silverstar4289]

Tom became an FBI Special Agent. His portrait is among other agents who have distinquished backgrounds. on a special area at the academy. I visited it a few times. One day , i saw a car in the parking lot with license plate SEAL 1. wondered if he was there lecturing/

[@trxxxtr]

One of my relatives won this medal at the battle of little big horn. My family has been career military men for many years and have fought in every major battle and some not known to most Americans and have came out of the battle with several awards. Hard not to think we were put here to do battle since its all my family knows. Some may call us dumb for fighting so much while others thank us. These are the people that realize if we are doing it they won't have to so to speak. Regardless we continue to choose to fight all battles with bravery and pride. I fear things are about to get very bad now that the American people have put Biden in office. We will be ready regardless. Here's some info about the battle my relative was in when he won his medal. AWARDED FOR ACTIONS DURING Indian Campaigns Service: Army Division: 7th U.S. Cavalry GENERAL ORDERS: Date of Issue: October 5, 1878 CITATION: The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Benjamin C. Criswell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism on 25 June 1876, while serving with Company B, 7th U.S. Cavalry, in action at Little Big Horn, Montana. Sergeant Criswell rescued the body of Lieutenant Hodgson from within the enemy's lines; brought up ammunition and encouraged the men in the most exposed positions under heavy fire. As I said my entire family are career soldiers and all go until retirement from the service. Its all we know. We do it for this great country and its people. Even though our leaders don't have our best interests at heart but instead are in it for their own selfish reasons.

[@danielbaugher826]

God bless these brave men and all the American military past , present and future in Christ Jesus glory glory hallelujah name Amen 🙏✝️🇺🇸❤️🇮🇱❤️🤩😇

[@expls]

What is amazing Is that he accomplished this all while lugging those gigantic balls around.

[@stephenmcgraw8871]

wow

[@Taivenmartin15]

Semper-fi!!!

[@g-rock6329]

I'm proud to be an AMERICAN,AT LEAST I KNOW IM FREE!! THANKS BIG GUY

[@motaman8074]

My question would be : does kryptonite have any effect on Mike Thornton?

[@broznkyra4853]

Read "By Honor Bound"...

[@duckdrop9158]

Pipe Hitting SON OF A GUN!! Hooyah Mike Thornton

[@mtmadigan82]

So a medal of honor receptiant walks into the bar....

[@YoshiYosheda]

Seal's in his and tommys generation were the real deal not like the current seals who are cashing in on what they did.

[@whiteguy4282]

You ain’t gotta be smart to kick ass.

[@mohammedcohen]

...in 'those days' you could...and HAD TO know how to read a map & use a lensatic compass...

[@30mwalker]

There was a lot more than 15 people that received the medal of honor that survived the Vietnam War maybe next time do some research, how embarrassing...on the other hand thank you for your service Mike Thornton you are a true American hero helping to represent all those whose story could not be told and lost their lives for our great country!

[@DowntownDeuce2]

Jerk off

[@jeffdarnell7942]

He's probably talking about SEALS, or Navy Personnel, or something specific.

[@jimmybillings8017]

Wasted three and a half minutes with Jibber Jabber

[@kirkdunn1379]

So who's telling the truth, there is another Michael thorton on KZbin with same exact story and same medal....idk seems fishy.......other guy is all over in documentaries and even with Tom Norris......I dont what this dude is doing but other is more believable and more documented imo......if wrong apologies but want some to be aware

[@lionelmoss5637]

Same guy !!

[@redtruck6108]

It’s the same guy? Just different years .

[@MyDyerMaker]

Dur

[@ateam137]

Same guy, just different points in his life.

[@ike.b.rowland7128]

You'll get there, you'll look in the mirror one day and say daaamn, I'm getting old. So don't waste your youth, as I've heard from Mr . Thornton say, set goals that are reachable and go get them. As someone with a lot of regrets, I can tell you, those things that you let go of that doesn't seem as important to achieve as they once did will be regret at some point. Humble yourselves. ,everyone. And I think Mr . Thornton is aging look a fine wine. And I guarantee you there's probably not one 22yr.old with half a brain would want to cross him. So yup. This is that though ol son dey Gun. America's finest.