Paul Thornton, Decorated Wwii Veteran, Dies Hero’s Record Was Touted In Campaign To Promote War Effort

A decorated World War II veteran - who flew an astounding 71 bombing missions over Europe, was wounded twice in battle and emerged from combat a celebrity - died Wednesday at his North Idaho home.

Paul M. Thornton, already stricken with encephalitis, died after suffering his second heart attack in a month. He was 75.

The Clark Fork, Idaho, resident’s distinguished service in the Army Air Corps during the war was highlighted in a front-page Idaho Spokesman-Review story earlier this week commemorating Veterans Day.

From his youth in Spokane during the Great Depression, to his trials as a B-26 tail gunner over Europe, Thornton faced strife throughout his life.

But family members say Thornton died at peace after several decades of struggling with the psychological fallout from his years in the service.

“He told me he was fine, that he would be fine and not for any of us to worry about him,” said son George Thornton, an investigator at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

After Thornton’s years in Europe - where he was wounded on his 13th mission and flew during D-Day - he returned to eastern Washington, where he was named “GI Spokane.”

As part of a campaign to promote the war effort, his record was touted in newspaper ads and he was asked to speak at dinner engagements.

Thornton later moved to Clark Fork and worked for the railroad and as a logger, miner and builder.

He married and fathered six children, three of whom died as infants. His other children - George, Max and Roberta - eventually gave him 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Thornton is survived by his wife, Violet, his children and grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made. Thornton has asked to be cremated and have his ashes scattered over the graves of his children.

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