"He was the leader of a combat patrol on 21 December 1944 near
Grufflingen, Belgium, with the mission of driving German forces from
dug-in positions in a heavily wooded area. As he advanced his light machinegun, a German Mark III
tank emerged from the enemy position and was quickly immobilized by
fire from American light tanks supporting the patrol. Two of the enemy
tankmen attempted to abandon their vehicle but were killed by Cpl.
Thorne's shots before they could jump to the ground. To complete the
destruction of the tank and its crew, Cpl. Thorne left his covered
position and crept forward alone through intense machinegun fire until
close enough to toss 2 grenades into the tank's open turret, killing 2
more Germans. He returned across the same fire-beaten zone as heavy mortar
fire began falling in the area, seized his machinegun and, without
help, dragged it to the knocked-out tank and set it up on the vehicle's
rear deck. He fired short rapid bursts into the enemy positions from his
advantageous but exposed location, killing or wounding 8. Two enemy
machinegun crews abandoned their positions and retreated in confusion.
His gun jammed; but rather than leave his self-chosen post he attempted
to clear the stoppage; enemy small-arms fire, concentrated on the tank,
killed him instantly. Cpl. Thorne, displaying heroic initiative and
intrepid fighting qualities, inflicted costly casualties on the enemy
and insured the success of his patrol's mission by the sacrifice of his
life."
From Cpl. Thorne's Medal of Honor citation, awarded on September 19, 1945.
May you be at peace,
Brian & Mel
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