John F. Thornell Jr.

John Francis Thornell Jr
Lt Col. John Francis Thornell, Jr
Born	(1921-04-19)April 19, 1921 Stoughton, Massachusetts
Died	September 3, 1998(1998-09-03) (aged 77)
Place of burial	Riverside National Cemetery
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1940–1971
Rank	Lieutenant Colonel
Commands held	3526th Pilot Training Squadron
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross Silver Star (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (6) Meritorious Service Medal Air Medal (6)

John Francis Thornell, Jr (April 19, 1921 – September 3, 1998) was a career officer in the United States Air Force and a World War II flying ace. He flew P-51 Mustangs and P-47 Thunderbolts with the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group. He was the third highest scoring ace of 352nd Fighter Group, and one of the top USAAF aces of the European Theater of Operations and Eighth Air Force, with 17.25 aerial victories and 2 ground victories.

Capt John F Thornell Jr. stands in the cockpit of North American P-51B Mustang “Pattie Ann II” with his crew chief.

Awards and decorations

P-51B Mustangs of the 352nd Fighter Group escort B-24H Liberator bombers of the 458th Bombardment Group over the North Sea

  Command pilot

	Distinguished Service Cross
	Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster
	Distinguished Flying Cross with silver leaf cluster
	Meritorious Service Medal
	Air Medal with silver leaf cluster
	Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster
	Air Force Presidential Unit Citation
	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
	Army Good Conduct Medal
	American Defense Service Medal
	American Campaign Medal
	European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two service stars
	World War II Victory Medal
	Army of Occupation Medal
	National Defense Service Medal with one service star

Air Force Longevity Service Award with oak and silver leaf clusters