Leo Thorsness

About the Author

Leo Thorsness is a distinguished American military veteran, author, and recipient of the prestigious Medal of Honor for his extraordinary courage during the Vietnam War. Captured as a prisoner of war after a daring mission in 1967, he endured six grueling years of captivity in North Vietnam, facing unimaginable hardships that tested the limits of human resilience. Drawing from his firsthand experiences, Thorsness chronicles the unyielding spirit of those who served in his acclaimed memoir, Surviving Hell: A POW's Journey, offering profound insights into survival, camaraderie, and the enduring power of hope. A retired Air Force colonel, he has dedicated his post-military life to sharing stories of heroism and sacrifice, inspiring readers to reflect on the true cost of freedom and the strength found in adversity.