Mike Thornton and Tommy Norris are now members of a shrinking band of brothers there are currently only 79 living Medal of Honor recipients. But gallantry of those who serve is timeless. The reasons for the fighting, resolved or unresolved, fade with time. Current wars, even the protracted struggle like the one we are in today, have a way of eventually becoming past wars. Courage, above and beyond, is the coin of the realm. While the Vietnam War may seem distant, muddled and even disconnected from our current conflict, valor is the legacy our warriors take with them in today’s fight. It was the first time in modern history that a recipient received the Medal of Honor for saving the life of another recipient. For his courageous actions, Mike Thornton received the Medal of Honor. Now wounded and in command of the patrol, Petty Officer Thornton got his team out to sea where they were recovered by offshore support craft.

Thornton fought his way back to his downed officer and carried him for a quarter of a mile, under fire, to the water’s edge.

Us navy seals in vietnam war