On April 19, 1967, then —Major Leo K. Thorsness took on, in the words of another officer, "most of North Vietnam all by himself" in one of the epic battles of that war. On that day, Thorsness and his backseater, Electronic Warfare Officer Captain Harold E. Johnson, fought about a half-dozen MiG's shot down one—and probably another—while protecting their wingman, who with his backseater, had been forced to bail out of their damaged aircraft over enemy territory. I've captured the moment after Thorsness shot past his "kill" and continued on, during one of the most valiant efforts in the air war. He left the battle area only for midair refueling and then returned to ward off enemy fighters, staying even after he had run out of ammunition. I'm proud to have been able to paint this piece in honor of Thorsness, Johnson, and all the men who gave so much of themselves for us and our country. Edition Size: 1000 S/N Image Size: 33" x 16 1/4" Countersigned by Colonel Leo K. Thorsness and Colonel Harold E. Johnson! |
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