John Francis Thornell Jr. (April 19, 1921 – September 3, 1998) was a career officer in the United States Air Force and a World War II flying ace.

[5][6][7] In July 1940, Thornell enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont.

Thornell shot down one Focke-Wulf Fw 190 on April 10, 1944 and on the same month, the 352d FG converted to North American P-51 Mustangs.

Intercepting the enemy fighter formation, Thornell shot down two Fw 190s, bringing his total to six aerial victories, and earned the title of flying ace and his first Silver Star.

In July 1967, he was assigned to Norton Air Force Base, California where he served as the Chief of the Fighter Branch with the Inspector General Group, his final position before he retired from active duty as a lieutenant colonel on August 1, 1971.

[5] Thornell's younger brother Edmund was an Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War and was killed in action on September 10, 1966.

[14] His awards include:[6][15] The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) John Francis Thornell, Jr., United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 328th Fighter Squadron, 352d Fighter Group, Eighth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 8 May 1944, in the European Theater of Operations.

The outstanding courage, coolness, and skill displayed by Lieutenant Thornell upon this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.