Michael E. Thornton

Michael E. Thornton
Thornton as an ensign
Born (1949-03-23) March 23, 1949 (age 75)
Greenville, South Carolina
AllegianceUnited States
Service / branchUnited States Navy
Years of service1967–1992
RankLieutenant
UnitSEAL Team 1
SEAL Team 6
MACV-SOG
Battles / warsVietnam War
Gulf War
AwardsMedal 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.