John A. Thorburn

Staff Sgt. John Andrew Thorburn (born August 26, 1946- January 7, 2010) was an American war Veteran who served in the United States Army and the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He has received several medals for his service. He was the main focus for the song "Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story" written by his son, R.A. the Rugged Man.
Personal life
Thorburn was born in St. Albans, Queens. He had six children, two of whom have died due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in the military.
Military service
Thorburn enlisted in the Army from 1964 to 1967. He was with the 101st Airborne Division in 1965, part of the Screaming Eagles. He was later assigned with the Green Berets into the 10th Special Forces Group in 1966 to 1967. He then enlisted in the Air Force, becoming a helicopter crew chief and instructor gunner.
On March 14, 1970, Thorburn was on a mission in Duc Lap in South Vietnam aboard a UH-1P ("Green Hornet") with the 20th Special Operations Squadron, when the chopper was shot down by enemy fire which resulted in the captain's death and three wounded soldiers, including Thorburn. An Army helicopter retrieved the soldiers and took them to Cam Ranh Air Base. Thorburn was later discharged following injuries he received.
Accolades
In 2008, Staff Sergeant Thorburn was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross by New York State Senator John J. Flanagan for his accomplishments in the Vietnam War. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with two Oak leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the National Defense Service Medal, the United States and Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Crew Member Wings, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the United States Army Silver Wings.

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