John F. Thornell Jr
John Francis Thornell, Jr (April 19, 1921 – September 3, 1998) was a career officer in the United States Air Force and a World War II flying ace. He flew P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts with the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group. He was the third highest scoring ace of 352nd Fighter Group, and one of the top USAAF aces of the European Theater of Operations and Eighth Air Force, with 17.25 aerial victories and 2 ground victories.[1][2]
Capt John F Thornell Jr. stands in the cockpit of North American P-51B Mustang “Pattie Ann II” with his crew chief.
John Francis Thornell Jr | |
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 Lt Col. John Francis Thornell, Jr | |
| Born | April 19, 1921 Stoughton, Massachusetts |
| Died | September 3, 1998 (aged 77) |
| Place of burial | Riverside National Cemetery |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1971 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant Colonel |
| Commands held | 3526th Pilot Training Squadron |
| Awards |  Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (6) |
Awards and decorations
P-51B Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group escort B-24H Liberator bombers of the 458th Bombardment Group over the North Sea
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Distinguished Service Cross |
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Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster |
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Distinguished Flying Cross with silver leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal |
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Air Medal with silver leaf cluster |
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Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster |
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Air Force Presidential Unit Citation |
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Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
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Army Good Conduct Medal |
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American Defense Service Medal |
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American Campaign Medal |
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European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two service stars |
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World War II Victory Medal |
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Army of Occupation Medal |
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National Defense Service Medal with one service star |
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Air Force Longevity Service Award with oak and silver leaf clusters |
References
- "Lt. Jack Thornell WWII ace with 17 victories". Stardust Studios.
- "Veteran Tributes". veterantributes.org.
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