[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 157 (Wednesday, September 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E983-E984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING WILLIAM F. THORNTON'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. RALPH NORMAN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2022

  Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. 
William F. Thornton on his 80th birthday. Born on October 1, 1942 in 
Oakland, California to Mr. Frederick Lyle and Mrs. Evelyn Lenore 
Thornton, Mr. Thornton left home to live and work with his aunt and 
uncle at their dairy farm at the age of 13.
  On November 2, 1966, Mr. Thorton enlisted in the Army at the age of 
23. He served as a combat medic for 21 months in Vietnam and was later 
stationed in Germany, where he remained for the next 2 years.
  Later, Mr. Thornton was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, 
Texas at their medical training center. He was then sent to 
Apalachicola, Florida to take part in weapons testing for helicopters.
  In January 1967, Mr. Thornton was awarded the Silver Star, the Army's 
third highest award for valor. Mr. Thornton was cited for heroism

[[Page E984]]

while serving as a medic. When his unit was hit by intense hostile fire 
and sustained several causalities, Mr. Thornton was called forward to 
administer first aid to two seriously wounded soldiers. He crawled 
forward while exposed to oppressive enemy fire and successfully 
administered medical treatment to his comrades.
  Throughout his career, Mr. Thornton's courage saved the lives of 
countless soldiers and inspired his comrades.
  ln 1967, he was discharged and returned to live in Apalachicola, 
Florida where he worked as a seafood broker.
  In 1988, he met his wife, Giannina Redaelli Thornton and married a 
year later. Together, they raised 3 children and relocated to Rock 
Hill, South Carolina in 2004. I congratulate Mr. William F. Thornton 
and his entire family on his 80th birthday celebration and I thank him 
for his years of dedicated service to this country and his community.

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