Donald Oscar Thorssen
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Donald Oscar Thorssen served in World War II.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from August 1940 until August 1965. He was assigned to the 563rd Bombardment Squadron, known as the “Wild Bunch,” of the 99th Bomber Command Group and was a pilot for B-17s (“Flying Fortresses”).
During the Cold War, Mr. Thorssen was assigned to Torrejon Air Base, Spain; Headquarters 42nd Bomb Wing, Strategic Air Command, Loring AFB, Maine; 4130th Strategic Wing, Bergstrom Air Force Base, Texas; and the 307th Air Refueling Squadron, Walker AFB, New Mexico. He served temporary duty to various locations. Over his long career, Mr. Thorssen served in Italy, Spain, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Maine, Texas, and New Mexico.
His rank was Lieutenant Colonel.
Mr. Thorssen was decorated with the:
Distinguished Flying Cross,
Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters,
National Defense Service Medal,
American Theater Campaign Medal,
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal,
World War II Victory Medal,
American Defense Service Medal,
Good Conduct Medal,
Air Force Reserve Medal,
Air Force Commendation Medal,
Air Force Longevity Service Award with three Oak Leaf Clusters,
Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and the
Air Force Reserve Medal with one Hourglass Device.
Mr. Thorssen was born in 1919 in Bennett, Wisconsin. He graduated from high school in 1937.
Source: Veterans’ Memorial Hall veteran history form; veteran’s family member’s account (below)
“Only bits and pieces, as Dad has never said much re the war. Only now is he starting to tell, said he was ‘given credit’ for 50 bombing ‘sorties.’ Trained for eight months to pilot a B-17, as a 24-year-old, was responsible for a crew of nine men plus himself. I’m sure the stories will flow when the vets get together!”
