Michael E. Thornton | |
|---|---|
 Thornton as an ensign | |
| Born | March 23, 1949 Greenville, South Carolina |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1967–1992 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Unit | SEAL Team 1 SEAL Team 6 MACV-SOG |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War Gulf War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor Silver Star Bronze Star Medal (3) Purple Heart (2) |
Michael Edwin Thornton (born March 23, 1949) is a retired United States Navy SEAL and recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal for saving the life of his senior officer, Lieutenant Thomas R. Norris, who also earned the Medal of Honor in an unrelated incident.