Col. Thorsness served as a USAF pilot (Captain) during the Vietnam war.  He was shot down on April 30, 1967 and spent 6 years as a POW in North Vietnam.  He shared a cell for awhile with Senator John McCain.  Before he was shot down he flew a mission where he was below is fuel redline to try to save other airmen.  For his bravery in action he was awarded the Medal Of Honor. Thorsness moved to South Dakota in 1973 after returning from captivity in Vietnam.  Though a transplanted South Dakotan, we still and always will hold him in high esteem.  Peace be with you Colonel.

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