"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while participating in a daring operation against enemy forces..." The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration the United States of America can bestow. It is an honor reserved for the bravest of the brave, but even in that company of heroes, Michael Thornton is exceptional. His is the rare case of one Medal of Honor winner receiving the award for saving the life of another. In Vietnam in 1972, Thornton was attempting to lead three comrades to safety under withering enemy fire. On hearing that his Navy SEAL commander, Lt. Thomas Norris, had been killed while covering their escape, Thornton replied, "I'm not leaving without my Lieutenant," and returned under fire to find Norris gravely wounded but alive. Although he himself was also injured, Thornton slung the unconscious Norris over his shoulder and carried him out to sea. Taking hold of another wounded comrade in the water, he swam into the open sea, treading water for hours until they could be rescued. In the words of his Medal of Honor citation: "By his extraordinary courage and perseverance, Petty Officer Thornton was directly responsible for saving the life of his superior officer and enabling the safe extraction of all patrol members, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."