Private First Class John F. Thorson

A Red Cross Club in Korea has been dedicated to PFC Thorson, and an Army Transport was dedicated in his name.

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class John F. Thorson, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company G, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Private First Class Thorson was an automatic rifleman on 28 October 1944, in the attack on Dagami Leyte, Philippine Islands. A heavily fortified enemy position consisting of pillboxes and supporting trenches held up the advance of his company. His platoon was ordered to out-flank and neutralize the strongpoint. Voluntarily moving well out in front of his group, Private Thorson came upon an enemy fire trench defended by several hostile riflemen and, disregarding the intense fire directed at him, attacked single-handed. He was seriously wounded and fell about six yards from the trench. Just as the remaining 20 members of the platoon reached him, one of the enemy threw a grenade into their midst. Shouting a warning and making a final effort, Private Thorson rolled onto the grenade and smothered the explosion with his body. He was instantly killed, but his magnificent courage and supreme self-sacrifice prevented the injury and possible death of his comrades, and remain with them as a lasting inspiration.

General Orders: War Department, General Orders No. 58, July 19, 1945

Action Date: 28-Oct-44

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company G

Regiment: 17th Infantry Regiment

Division: 7th Infantry Division