Eldon Thornburgh

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation (2), Good Conduct, China Service, National Defense Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Republic of Vietnam Campaign w/60 Device, Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation

Iowa Great Depression born and bred, later US Navy led. Dad WW2 Vet. Korean War my calling. Served two decades rising from Enlisted to Commissioned Officer with service in Squadrons VF-51. VR-5, VP-50, VA-56 and VX-5. During the Formosa Crisis in 1954, assisted in the Tachen Islands evacuation of Republic of China citizens. Aboard the USS Ticonderoga Lee participated in the Gulf of Tonkin incident and later served throughout the Vietnam War. Nine years maintaining Transport, Patrol and Tailhook aircraft. Eleven years 0-1 to 0-4. Too many years saying goodbyes to My Lady and girls at home. 20 years of dedicated service, sacrifice and love of my country. God Bless America.