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By Honor Bound: Two Navy Seals, the Medal of Honor, and a Story of Extraordinary Courage
In April of 1972, SEAL Lieutenant Tom Norris risked his life in an unprecedented ground rescue of two American airmen who were shot down behind enemy lines in North Vietnam, a feat for which he would be awarded the Medal of Honor--an award that represents the pinnacle of heroism and courage.Just six months later, Norris was sent on a dangerous special reconnaissance mission that would take his team deep into enemy territory. On that mission, they engaged a vastly superior force. In the running gun battle that ensued, Lieutenant Norris was severely wounded; a bullet entered his left eye and exited the left side of his head. SEAL Petty Officer Mike Thornton, under heavy fire, fought his way back onto a North Vietnamese beach to rescue his officer. This was the first time Tom and Mike had been on a combat mission together. Mike's act of courage and loyalty marks the only time in modern history that the Medal of Honor has been awarded in a combat action where one recipient received the Medal for saving the life of another.By Honor Bound is the story of Tom Norris and Mike Thornton, two living American heroes who grew up very differently, entered military service and the Navy SEAL teams for vastly different reasons, and were thrown together for a single combat mission--a mission that would define their lives from that day forward.
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First published May 31, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 14, 2022
By Honor Bound is easily the best book I've read. It details the events of the only time a Medal of Honor recipient saved the life of another Medal of Honor recipient. I can't recommend this enough.
September 8, 2024
I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Norris back in the mid 80’s. He didn’t like talking about his bravery or his service, and as stated in the book, his kindness and humility knew no bounds. I feel honored to have shared a few baseball games and a few beers with him. Tommy….Thank you for your service.
November 8, 2020
Amazing story!!! I learned so much about valor and what it means to do your job and be humble. A must read for American history and military history enthusiasts.
December 24, 2020
Best Line: “As for the Medal, we wear it for those who served with us who are no longer with us, or whose sacrifice and service went unnoticed. We wear it for all Americans who served with honor. And at times, it can be a burden, but that’s the nature of receiving this distinguished award. None of us like being held up as an example for others. I sure don’t, but it comes with the Medal. You not only have to live up to it, you have to grow into it.” Page 236
This book blew my socks off; a real page turner. For the military historian junkies, it may not be your cup of tea. It reads more as a story than a recount of war strategy. “By Honor Bound” outlines the lives of two extraordinary men who accomplished unreal things, explaining them as people, rather than as Medal of Honor citations. As said in the introduction, “where do we get such men?” I hope Norris and Thornton’s actions outlive them, me and those that come after me, in and out of the service.
This book blew my socks off; a real page turner. For the military historian junkies, it may not be your cup of tea. It reads more as a story than a recount of war strategy. “By Honor Bound” outlines the lives of two extraordinary men who accomplished unreal things, explaining them as people, rather than as Medal of Honor citations. As said in the introduction, “where do we get such men?” I hope Norris and Thornton’s actions outlive them, me and those that come after me, in and out of the service.
January 2, 2020
These men are who I hope to be, always looking out for your swim buddy and you team, putting forth everything to accomplish the mission. The "narrator" part by Dick Couch is a little wonky in places, but overall their story is incredible, their lives, examples to live by and the definition of the Navy Core Values, Honor, Courage, Commitment.
October 10, 2016
when seals did heroic things and STFU
April 13, 2017
Great story of two heroic men
One cannot even fathom the depth of what these 2 Seals and their Vietnamese counterparts experienced. While it is well described in this compelling book I can only imagine what they went through.
One cannot even fathom the depth of what these 2 Seals and their Vietnamese counterparts experienced. While it is well described in this compelling book I can only imagine what they went through.
July 23, 2021
Amazing story!!! Well written that kept me engaged.
June 8, 2016
This is an amazing account of the actions of Tom Norris and Mike Thornton in Vietnam. Told in their own words with narration by Dick Couch, this incredible book details how both Navy SEALS won the Medal of Honor in 1972. Exciting, fast-paced and absorbing, "By Honor Bound" is a story of brothers in blood who fight for their country and, more important, for each other. It details the heroism and selflessness of these two sailors who put their lives on the line to help their fellow servicemen. Tom Norris led the dangerous BAT-21 rescue operation to retrieve two downed pilots in North Vietnamese territory. Six months later, Mike Thornton risked everything to help Norris after he received a near-fatal head wound. It is an incredible story of unbelievable heroism in the face certain death. These men are wonderful examples of our military at its best! Their efforts should be honored by every American!
May 28, 2019
This is the story of two Vietnam conflict SEALs and their intertwined combat records which separately earned each the Medal of Honor. One rescued two airmen downed in Vietnam, in an incident which became particularly bloody (11 more aircraft were lost trying to rescue the initial downed crew); months later, when they went on a recon mission, the earlier rescuer was shot in the head and reported dead, but the other went back for him (or his body) and brought him out alive, to make a substantial recovery.
The high degree of individual sacrifice and heroism in the service of a relatively pointless conflict (both of these operations were happening after the US had decided to leave; in fact, the personnel recovery option became "allow downed pilots to be captured so they could be safely recovered by the enemy and returned in the peace negotiations") seems to be near universal in recent US conflicts. The counterargument is that this bravery is in support of the overall government prestige and honor, but to me it seems like a stronger argument for restricting our use of force to cases of actual necessity.
The book closes with information about the careers of each man after the war (going from an accomplished SEAL to a Navy salvage diver and officer was particularly interesting; the same kind of problem-solving and mastery applied to a new domain), as well as information about the Medal of Honor, award process, and the MoH Society.
Overall, a good read, although not something which includes a lot of context for the conflict or other information -- mostly just a story of heroism.
The high degree of individual sacrifice and heroism in the service of a relatively pointless conflict (both of these operations were happening after the US had decided to leave; in fact, the personnel recovery option became "allow downed pilots to be captured so they could be safely recovered by the enemy and returned in the peace negotiations") seems to be near universal in recent US conflicts. The counterargument is that this bravery is in support of the overall government prestige and honor, but to me it seems like a stronger argument for restricting our use of force to cases of actual necessity.
The book closes with information about the careers of each man after the war (going from an accomplished SEAL to a Navy salvage diver and officer was particularly interesting; the same kind of problem-solving and mastery applied to a new domain), as well as information about the Medal of Honor, award process, and the MoH Society.
Overall, a good read, although not something which includes a lot of context for the conflict or other information -- mostly just a story of heroism.
October 24, 2020
A good account of the exploits of two U.S. Navy Seals during the waning days of the Vietnam War. It's weird I had read of Mike Thornton before, recently in the autobiography of Richard Marcinko, but apparently forgot about him because I was surprised when I read this that Mike was a member of Marcinko's Seal Team Six. This was of course after the act of heroism that led him to receive the Medal of Honor. Interesting. Anyway this book in an indirect way another reminder that without political will, it matters not how heroic the soldiers are who fight the war. The level of expertise among the U.S. military was unbelievably high yet ultimately the war was still lost to the North Vietnamese, even though whenever there was direct engagement between the Americans and the North Vietnamese Army it almost always resulted in victory for the U.S. Still the war was extremely unpopular and so was fought with half-steps and was eventually lost, the South Vietnam Republic no longer exists. The U.S. was defeated. None of what I just said is really broached in this biography on the two Medal of Honor winners but it's just something that occurs to me when I read books on Vietnam. After the war Thornton and Norris have their struggles but both seem to have weathered the stresses of homecoming quite well. As far as I know, as of this writing, both men are still alive and living as well as they deserve.
June 22, 2017
An extraordinary history of two Medal of Honor recipients and Navy SEALS, Lieutenant Tom Norris and Petty Officer Mike Thornton, highlighting their experiences in Vietnam, including the occasions that earned them their medals. Both amazing and courageous men, who did what they did because it was what they were trained to do and knew was right. The book also takes them through the rest of their careers, both in and out of the military.
I found their stories fascinating and well told. I loved getting to learn more about elements of the Vietnam war, and especially the creation of the Navy SEAL teams.
I found their stories fascinating and well told. I loved getting to learn more about elements of the Vietnam war, and especially the creation of the Navy SEAL teams.
May 21, 2019
Seal Lieutenant Tom Norris risked his life in a ground rescue of two American airmen who were shot down behind enemy line in North Vietnam. Six months later Petty Officer Mike Thornton, under heavy fire, fought his way back onto a North Vietnamese beach to rescue Norris.
To say I enjoyed this book would be a huge understatement. It brought back memories of my Navy days and it gave me a deeper appreciation of the men and women who serve in the military.
This book had many different stories of these men and the men who served with them. I wouldn't be surprised if I revisit this book again at some time in the future. It's one of those read a person couldn't get tired of.
To say I enjoyed this book would be a huge understatement. It brought back memories of my Navy days and it gave me a deeper appreciation of the men and women who serve in the military.
This book had many different stories of these men and the men who served with them. I wouldn't be surprised if I revisit this book again at some time in the future. It's one of those read a person couldn't get tired of.
May 1, 2024
I struggled reading this book which is why I rated it no higher than three stars. The story is an amazing account of two Navy seals and their missions during the later part of the Vietnam war.
For me, the fact that the book is written with a narrator interjecting information and clarifications throughout the account made the reading disjointed. While the information provided by the narrator was interesting it distracted from the flow of the events being described. I thought he could have used footnotes just as effectively and not impacted the story flow. Just my opinion. Otherwise a great account.
For me, the fact that the book is written with a narrator interjecting information and clarifications throughout the account made the reading disjointed. While the information provided by the narrator was interesting it distracted from the flow of the events being described. I thought he could have used footnotes just as effectively and not impacted the story flow. Just my opinion. Otherwise a great account.
October 28, 2019
I love history and reading about Tom Norris and Mike Thornton’s missions did not disappoint. The book was tough to follow for me with a lot of back and forth past, present and technology information. As I got deeper into the book it got easier. God bless these men for their service and to all who have served.
March 21, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. The stories of Tom and Mike are very inspiring. I loved reading about Tom's time after the Seals as an FBI agent and that he had the same fearless tenacity and selfless service after winning the Medal of Honor. The life stories of these two heroes during their times as Navy Seals and afterwards really struck me. This was a great quick read!
November 9, 2020
A really good read on the events that happened and a brief before and after lives of two Navy Seals who earned the Medal of Honor. These two humble men said they were only doing their jobs and didn't deserve it.
Dick (narrator) also did a good job of filling in the blanks of the background or settings around Tom and Mike.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Dick (narrator) also did a good job of filling in the blanks of the background or settings around Tom and Mike.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 4, 2021
A very well-written book ! Dick Couch did a superb job of putting the stories of Norris and Thornton together. The story flows very well - makes for an enjoyable, easy read.
The title of the book is entirely accurate - I was profoundly impressed by the courage demonstrated by Norris and Thornton. My highest recommendation !
The title of the book is entirely accurate - I was profoundly impressed by the courage demonstrated by Norris and Thornton. My highest recommendation !
April 24, 2022
Wonderful
Every American should read this book and ask themselves if they represent the American citizen who would go fight for liberty, justice and freedom of speech for another culture like these men. To fight against the tyranny of Godless totalaterian Leftists and to fight to the death. That's what we will need from this country if we intend to survive.
Every American should read this book and ask themselves if they represent the American citizen who would go fight for liberty, justice and freedom of speech for another culture like these men. To fight against the tyranny of Godless totalaterian Leftists and to fight to the death. That's what we will need from this country if we intend to survive.
January 3, 2026
A phenomenal behind the scenes look at the bravery of two Navy SEALS and their separate actions that lead to being awarded the Medal of Honor. You get a glimpse of what lead each of them to The Teams and step-by-step life events leading up to their heroics in Vietnam. Once I picked it up, i had a difficult time putting it down.
August 30, 2017
Highly Compelling
Such a great account of two very brave and humble warriors. Dick Couch does a great job of telling their stories, and also providing context and some sub stories that bind the whole thing together. Excellent work!
Such a great account of two very brave and humble warriors. Dick Couch does a great job of telling their stories, and also providing context and some sub stories that bind the whole thing together. Excellent work!
September 6, 2017
Incredible read about the stories of two Navy SEAL Medal of Honor winners from Vietnam. A descriptive front seat tour to both their missions and rescues. Constant heart pounding action describes the heroic bravery of these two men and several who served with them.
December 18, 2017
If you like watching paint dry you'll love reading this book! Unfortunately I felt "By Honor Bound" was extremely slow and technical. For a story this exciting you'd think it would be more fun to read. Wrong.
July 13, 2020
How these guys made it through the jungle with their big brass balls clanging around I have no idea. Just an incredible journey through life and war by some of the finest soldiers I've had the honor to read about. Glad to know we have men like these on our lines
February 13, 2021
The stories of two men who received the Congressional Medal of Honor. One of them received it for saving the other one. The courage is remarkable. The stories of what they did next is inspirational. These guys didn't quit when they won the highest award possible.
December 11, 2021
Great story
I had already read a more in depth book on the rescue of Bat 21 but it had nothing on the rescue of Tommy. I really appreciated the coverage in this book. The format of this book was a little difficult for me but I did enjoy it.
I had already read a more in depth book on the rescue of Bat 21 but it had nothing on the rescue of Tommy. I really appreciated the coverage in this book. The format of this book was a little difficult for me but I did enjoy it.
May 7, 2023
Very good book about two extraordinary men. I enjoyed the format of the book with a narrator adding extra information about situation. I have read about the rescue of Bat 21 previously but like the narrator wrote it is mostly from the Air Force perspective.
October 27, 2025
Both men’s story and bravery is nothing short of 5 stars. I got a little lost at times with the narrator and lost the flow. He was giving good info, it just slowed me down in trying to understand locations.
October 11, 2017
"Wow" is all that comes to mind. Great account of two MoH recipients & their lives + careers after the award. Best book I've read in a while.
June 1, 2018
I give this book four stars even though it was a little wordy at times. It is simply an amazing story. what amazing Americans.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews