Leo K. Thorsness | |
|---|---|
 Medal of Honor recipient Colonel Leo K. Thorsness | |
| Member of the Washington Senate from the 11th district | |
| In office January 9, 1989 – January 11, 1993 | |
| Preceded by | Eugene V. Lux |
| Succeeded by | Margarita Prentice |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 14, 1932 Walnut Grove, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | May 2, 2017 (aged 85) St. Augustine, Florida, U.S.[1] |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery[2] |
| Political party | Republican |
| Alma mater | South Dakota State College University of Omaha University of Southern California |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1951–1973 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star (2) Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Bronze Star Medal (2) Purple Heart (2) Air Medal (10) |
Leo Keith Thorsness (February 14, 1932 – May 2, 2017) was a colonel in the United States Air Force who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal for an air engagement on April 19, 1967. He was shot down two weeks later and spent almost six years in captivity in North Vietnam as a prisoner of war. After his military service, Thorsness served one term in the Washington State Senate.
- ^ "Medal of Honor Recipient Leo K. Thorsness Dies at Age of 85". Military.com. Stars & Stripes. May 3, 2017. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved May 4, 2017.
- ^ Staff Sgt. Alyssa C. Gibson (February 14, 2018). "Medal of Honor recipient, former POW laid to rest". af.mil. Retrieved February 19, 2018.