1/19/57 – 3/26/57
[was still doing training during this period]
3/27/57 – 11/30/57
[Note: After his commission, Larry Thorne was assigned as a signals officer with the 511th Signals Battalion, a job he did not terribly like, but even there he excelled. His unit had just arrived in West Germany. These early years as a newly commissioned officer in the United States Army were not easy because of his limited command of English and experience.]
“As a Construction Officer, he has done a superior job. He has earned the respect and admiration of his subordinates and his superioris…” Capt Alfred Zamparelli
“Lt Thorne is above average in intelligence, but somewhat hampered in the study or explanation of technical matters by the language barrier…” Maj Emil Geimer
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
12/1/57 – 5/4/58
“One of the most devoted and conscientious officers I have known. …Lt Thorne’s experience and background indicate that he would make an outstanding Infantry officer.” Capt. Alfred a Zamparelli
“Lt. Thorne is an aggressive officer who is at his best in a situation which demands physical exertion, direct action, and forceful leadership. He is admired by his men and respected by his contemporaries and superiors.” Maj. Emil Geimer
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
5/5/58 – 10/9/58
[No evaluation probably because he was transferred to the Special Forces during this rating period, not to mention the pending court-martial for throwing some German toughs through a plate glass window. The court-martial charges were dropped.]
11/10/58 – 6/25/59 [Thorne has been transferred to the 10th Special Forces Group in West Germany]
“An officer with an exceptional background. He is extremely physically fit and shows interest in a wide variety of activities, mountain climbing, skiing, etc. Lt Thorne is well liked by all who know him and highly respected for his professional abilities. He at times has language difficulties but overcomes these well.” Maj Kenneth Beard
“He seeks responsibility and accomplishes his mission in superior manner. He needs some training on administrative matters.” Maj Aito Keravuori
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
6/26/59 – 11/16/59
“This officer is a great asset to the Army in specialized fields. He has an extraordinary background in combat operations involving winter warfare and behind-the-lines operations. He has the ability to instruct and advise in those fields and in the specialized fields of skiing and mountain climbing. He has a language barrier which does not impede ordinary conversation or instruction but causes him difficulty on technicalities. He is resourceful, hardworking, intense, loyal, and reliable, and modest. He is in excellent physical condition and fully capable of performing the duties of his grade and branch in time of war.” Maj Reginald Wollard
“An infantry officer with the highest Finnish military decoration because of his outstanding leadership in behind-the-line operations. Though handicapped by his language difficulties, he is an asset to the service as a specialist.” Maj Aito Keravuori
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
5 – Outstanding performance of this duty found in very few officers
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
11/17/59 – 4/7/60
“Lieutenant Thorne is an unusual officer. I have not known any officer in his grade to whom he can be compared. He is over 40 years old, but has the physical ability of a person of 25 years old. Through his experience gained in the Finnish army he has rendered invaluable assistance to the 10th Special Forces Group. Lt. Thorne’s knowledge of the administration and mechanics of command in the American army are the areas where improvement is desired. A further study of the English language in everyday usage is desired and would alleviate the above weakness. Lt. Thorne’s knowledge of Special Forces subjects entitle him to a definite place in the Unconventional Warfare field. Lt. Thorne is physically capable of performing the duties required of his grade had branch in time of war.” Maj. Francis Dawson
“Concur. This officer is slightly handicapped by the language and the lack of basic officer training in the United States army; however, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities in winter, mountain and behind the lines operations under combat conditions. As well qualified special forces officer he is a great asset to the army in any specialized field.” Maj Aito Keravuori
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
5 – Outstanding performance of this duty found in very few officers.
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
4/8/60 – 8/4/60
“A quiet, likeable, a highly efficient officer, who accomplishes his duty in a superior to outstanding manner. This was Lieutenant Thorne’s first staff assignment and he has done a commendable job in planning and coordinating the myriad of activities connected with this assignment. Military bearing, courtesy, and appearance is outstanding. 41 years of age, he has the appearance of a young man and maintains himself in superb physical condition. He has no weaknesses known to me. Well liked and respected by his associates. A strong, aggressive leader. Expresses himself well. Is well grounded in all Specials Forces activities – performance in field training is outstanding. Early attendance at the infantry officers advanced courses recommended. Unqualifiedly recommended for promotion to Captain. Lt Thorne has been assigned duty in command position to give him more experience in this field. He is physically capable to perform in time of war the duties required by his grade and branch.” Maj. Paul Wheaton
“Concur. Lt. Thorne is a great asset to the army and specialized fields. He has demonstrated tremendous leadership capabilities in behind the line operations during the war. His other exceptional qualifications include winter warfare and mountain operations. Lt. Thorne is slightly handicapped by the language barrier, but as well qualified to Special Forces field.” Maj Aito Keravuori
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
5 – Outstanding performance of this duty found in very few officers
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
8/5/60 – 11/30/60
“A quiet, pleasant, courteous officer well liked and respected by seniors, contemporaries, and juniors. Maintains himself in outstanding physical condition capable of performing in time of war those duties required by his grade and branch. A strong aggressive leader capable of independent thought and action. Self-reliant and dependable, Lt Thorne works with a minimum of supervision. Well grounded in special forces activities as demonstrated by outstanding performance in field training exercises. He has no weaknesses known to me. Recommend promotion to Captain.” Maj Ralph Puckett
“Concur. A pleasant personality and an outstanding officer with an excellent background for his assignment; genial, hard working, intelligent, forceful, extremely honest and dependable, loyal and professionally competent. He possesses great physical stamina and courage to carry on under conditions which would render most people helpless. Lieutenant Thorne is a great asset to the army in specialized fields. I would fight to have this officer in my command under combat conditions.” Maj Aito Keravuori
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
5 – Outstanding performance of this duty found in very few officers
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
12/1/60 – 8/16/61 [Thorne has been promoted to Captain. Also note that the rating officer in this evaluation is Charles Simpson, one of the US Special Force’s notable officers in the 1960s and 1970s, the author of a classic history of the US Special Forces.]
“Captain Thorne is an outstanding professional soldier with extremely high leadership ability. The most polished and proficient professional soldier invariably gives Captain Thorne his unvarying admiration. Captain Thorne frequently is in contact with the most highly trained skiers and mountain climbers of the German army and is fully accepted as their peer with the ensuing full cooperation enthusiasm in their support of the unit’s training. He is physically superbly conditioned and strong. His courage cannot be doubted.
“He is a highly dedicated soldier with a higher standard of self discipline in performance of duty. This unit has benefited immensely and its operational readiness due to Captain Thorne’s professional abilities enthusiasm and personal example. I personally have great faith the Captain Thornes ability as a Special Forces airborne infantry officer and will fight to serve with him again under similar conditions, particularly in combat requiring great maturity, perseverance, physical and moral courage, and personal leadership. Captain Thorne is fully qualified to perform the duties required by this branch great in combat.” Maj Charles Simpson
“This officer is continually sought by superiors and associates on special training projects. He was transferred to his present duty to better utilize his tremendous experience and knowledge in cold weather and mountain operation. Captain Thorne believes, practices and insists on high physical standards. He is constantly seeking methods to improve his unit’s ability to move and fight under the most rigorous conditions of terrain and climate. Absolutely trustworthy, he is equally loyal to superiors and subordinates.
“He exemplifies the aggressiveness of the young American officer and retains the distinguished presence of the polished European. Spirited, adventuresome, Captain Thorne is one of the most courageous officers I have known. I would particularly desire to have him during periods of extreme stress and danger.” Maj William V Wilson
Performance of Present Duty (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
5 – Outstanding performance of this duty found in very few officers
Promotion Potential (on 0-5 rating, 5 being the highest)
4 – superior
8/17/61 – 1/31/62 [starting with this evaluation, the evaluation form changed to include rating the officer specifically against others of his rank by placing him in a percentile grouping. In addition there was a space for qualitative discussion of performance and potential.]
Performance 80th percentile
Potential 70th percentile
Maj. Claire Reeder
Lt. Col. William V. Wilson
2/1/62 – 9/19/62
Performance 90th percentile
Potential 80th percentile
Mar. Claire Reeder
Lt. Col Harrison Merritt
“For any mission, project or special assignment that has to be conducted by the group whereby outstanding results for leadership was to be displayed, Captain Thorne’s name would be one of the first to be submitted for the task. The physical and mental capabilities of this man are far superior to that of the average officer. He is not in appearance of physical giant or in speech and orator. He has what God has given only to a few, and that is leadership.” Lt. Col. Harrison Merritt
10/22/62 – 3/22/63 [This is an abbreviated evaluation done while Thorne was studying at Associate Infantry Officer Career Course, Fort Benning, Georgia]
Very brief description, but one interesting comment: “This officer’s ability to express himself in writing is superior and his ability to express himself orally is excellent.”
3/23/63 – 8/17/63 [Assigned TDY to Joint Exercise SWIFT STRIKE III, Fort Bragg]
Performance 90th percentile
Potential 90th percentile
Lt. Col. Mitchel Hazam
Col. Robert Cardenas
“…Capt. Thorne’s performance of duty throughout the period of this report was outstanding in every respect…. This officer has been recommended by Lt General Dunn, Commander Joint Task Force Red for a Joint Services Commendation Medal.” Lt. Col Mitchell Hazam
“…Captain Thorne is a real professional who excels in everything he does. He is an expert in his field, a leader in every sense of the word and a shrewd manager and administrator. I highly recommend this officer for promotion to the rank of Major…” Col Robert Cardenas
9/4/63 – 1/8/64 [Fort Bragg preparing for deployment to Viet Nam]
Performance 89th percentile
Potential 90th percentile
Capt James Carr
Maj James Collopy
1/9/64 – 4/27/64 [Thorne is now leading an A detachment in Vietnam; this is the first of his wartime evaluations. Ranking him in the 100th percentile for potential is another way of saying he is at the pinnacle of all officers.]
Performance 96th percentile
Potential 100th percentile
Maj Peter Gorvad
Lt. Col George Viney
Comments. “…Capt Thorne is the type of person you like to have around in a fight for he has unlimited courage. This officer can be expected to achieve exceptional results in combat against an armed guerrilla force in counterinsurgency.” Lt. Col. George Viney
4/28/64 – 6/29/64 [still in Vietnam]
Performance 98th percentile
Potential 100th percentile
Capt Moran McKenzie
Maj James Lattimore
“…his aggressive leadership was undaunting and certainly inspired and set an outstanding example for the Vietnamese. For his action against the Viet Cong in an ambush on 12 June 1964, he was recommended for the Silver Star award…” Capt Moran McKenzie
“…During one of these encounters, Captain Thorne, one special forces sergeant and 10 CIDG personnel defeated a force of 120 Vietcong armed with automatic weapons and supported by two 57 MM recoilless rifles. He inspired his force by personal example and instilled a high degree of efficiency and morale in his detachment and in his paramilitary force. He is one of the most capable, loyal and dependable officers that I have known in more than 20 years of service…” Maj James Lattimore
6/30/64 – 11/15/64 [Thorne is now at Fort Bragg working with detachments reading for deployment “for a highly classified operational mission]
Performance 96th percentile
Potential 100th percentile
Capt. David Cole
Maj John Keefe
Comments: “…His leadership during tactical exercises was truly outstanding, for he exercised sound judgment in solving problems in accomplishing assigned missions. Captain Thorne was equally effective as a leader and as a participant throughout the training period….” Capt. David Cole
“Subject officer has the unique ability to lead troops and perform almost impossible missions under the most trying conditions…” Maj John Keefe
11/15/65 – 7/20/65 [In Vietnam in a staff job overseeing intelligence]
Performance 96th percentile
Potential 80th percentile
Lt. Col Irving Hughes
Col John Spears
“…Thus far in Vietnam, there has been only one Viet Cong attack on a major US installation in which the enemy did not achieve surprise. This one instance was the attack of Nha Trang airbase on 25 June in which damage was minimized because the prompt response of defense element disrupted the Viet Cong effort. It was Captain Thorne’s work that made this action possible.” Col. John Spears
