Major Leo Thorsness was a highly decorated USAF pilot who was shot down and held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over 6 years. During his captivity, he endured brutal torture that broke his back but he refused to cooperate with his captors, earning him time in solitary confinement. After the war, Thorsness was honored with the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during a 1967 mission where he single-handedly engaged enemy aircraft. He was finally released in 1973 but his injuries prevented him from further flying. Today, Thorsness remains active through public speaking and veterans advocacy work.

1. Surviving HellA POWs Journey

2. A Little background on leo Major Leo Thorsness, USAF, pilot

3. He was born in February 1932 in Walnut Grove, Minn.

4. Thorsness enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and earned his commission three years later through the Aviation Cadet Program.

5. Earned the Medal of Honor for one of the epic solo battles of the Vietnam War, but didn't know Congress had awarded it to him until years later.

6. The award wasn't announced publicly; as Thorsness was a prisoner of war.Medal of honor mission On April 19, 1967 Leo Thorsness was on a mission over N. Vietnam , he led Kingfish flight (three F-105F Weasel aircraft and an F-105D single-seater) on a Wild Weasel SAM suppression mission, although his F-105 was not designed for aerial combat, Thorsness immediately engaged the enemy aircraft and destroyed it