Barrington welcomes Medal of Honor winners

Two Medal of Honor recipients visited Barrington High School on Friday and spoke about their wartime experiences and the importance of service.

Promoting the Medal of Honor Foundation's qualities of courage, sacrifice and patriotism, former U.S. Army Cpl. Rodolfo Hernandez and former Navy Petty Officer Michael Thornton were recognized for their actions in the Korean and Vietnam, respectively.

In 1951, Cpl. Hernandez and his platoon were attacked, outnumbered by an enemy force near Wontong-ni, Korea. When his comrades eventually spent all their ammunition and had to withdraw, Hernandez continued to fight, despite being wounded from a previous exchange of grenades.

When his rifle's cartridge ruptured, he charged the enemy with only the rifle and a bayonet, killing six attackers before he fell unconscious from multiple wounds.

However, his one-man attack managed to stop the enemy and allowed his unit to counterattack and eventually retake the ground.

P.O. Thornton won his Medal of Honor in Vietnam.

Accompanied by a U.S. Navy lieutenant serving as senior adviser and a three-man Vietnamese Navy Seal team, Thornton set out on an intelligence gathering and prisoner capture operation in 1971.

Once on land, the team was attacked with heavy artillery fire, during which the senior adviser was seriously wounded. Thornton, who was wounded seven times throughout the night, found the adviser, disposed of two enemy forces who were about to take over the post and carried his superior to the water. He then inflated a life jacket and swam with the lieutenant for almost three hours before being rescued by a support craft.

And now both men, who possess the highest award for valor and courage, travel the country and share their stories with the American public.

“It's an honor to be in their presence and to be able to listen to what these men have given for our country,” said Jennie Nichols, a Barrington resident.

More than 200 people filled the high school's theater and a majority of attendees were students.

“It's great that so many students came out,” said Jennifer Lennon, vice president of development and education at the foundation. “Especially during the summer, that's really good.”

Thornton told the crowd that service to the country is paramount. But it doesn't have to be military service, he added.

“Freedom is not free, and everyone can serve,” he added. “You don't have to be wearing a uniform.”

Thornton's educational words resonated with many audience members.

“I find their stories to be inspiring,” said Brian Battle, a Disdtrict 220 school board member. “It's also important for us to show up and thank them for their service.”

Thornton and Hernandez are among the 3,457 Medal of Honor recipients, 85 of which are living.

Thornton's message is not only one of service and patriotism, but also of following goals and staying determined.

“Never quit,” said Thornton, seconds before receiving a standing ovation. “Never give up.”