Over North Vietnam, Maj. Leo K. Thorsness, along with his electronic warfare officer, Capt. Harold E. Johnson, destroys two enemy surface-to-air missile sites then shoots down a MiG-17 before escorting search-and-rescue helicopters to a downed aircrew. Although the North American F-105 is very low on fuel, Thorsness attacks four MiG-17s in an effort to draw the enemy aircraft away from area. He then lands at a forward air base. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions this day, Thorsness does not receive his medal until 1973, as on April 30, 1967, he is shot down and spends the next six years as a prisoner of war.
New B-52 Radar Makes First Flight
Dec. 12, 2025
The Air Force’s radar modernization effort for the B-52 Stratofortress entered flight testing recently, a “milestone” for the once over-budget system that senior leaders call the start of a new era for the Cold War bomber.
