Thornell joined the US Army Air Force in 1942, he joined the 352nd Fighter Group in December 1943. Within six months he had amassed 17.25 claims, his final victory was on 21-Jun-44 and he was subsequently promoted to Captain. Thornell remained with the US Air Force until 1971, when he retired as Lieutenant-Colonel.



Awards: DSC, SS (OLC), DFC (5OLC), AM (5OLC), GC, WWII Victory, EAME (2 x Battle Stars), American Campaign and Defence, OCC, National Defense (OLC), AFC, AF Longevity (6OLC).





Distinguished Service Cross Citation:



The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Francis Thornell, Jr. (ASN: 0-797743), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 328th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 May 1944, in the European Theater of Operations. On this date, Lieutenant Thornell, with complete disregard for the odds against him, led a flight against a vastly superior force of enemy fighters in the vicinity of Nienburg, Germany, and dispersed the enemy attempting to intercept a friendly bomber formation. Determined to destroy the enemy, accompanied by two other friendly fighters he attacked three enemy fighters and by courageous flying and skillful gunnery destroyed two of them. Later, Lieutenant Thornell was attacked by a lone enemy fighter whom he outmaneuvered and destroyed, bringing his total for the day to three enemy airplanes destroyed. The outstanding courage, coolness, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Thornell upon this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.



Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 44 (July 22, 1944)