Carl Thorne-Thomsen, the fourth of five children, was a talented student and athlete at Lake Forest High School. He played the cello, excelled in academics, and led the student council, advocating for more inclusive grading policies. In 1965, he went on to Harvard, where he joined the undefeated freshman lightweight crew team and was known for his humor, dedication, and strong sense of fairness. Amidst the Vietnam War’s escalation, Thorne-Thomsen felt it unjust to avoid the draft when others with fewer opportunities were forced into service. In 1966, his junior year, he withdrew from Harvard to enlist, despite offers of safer assignments or deferment.

Pfc. Thorne-Thomsen arrived in Vietnam with the Army’s Second Battalion, Twelfth Infantry in August 1967. His buddies in Alpha Company remembered his friendliness, quick-wittedness, and sensitivity. On October 25, Viet Cong ambushed his unit. As a radio operator, Carl put himself at risk to maintain communications and was killed. He posthumously received bronze stars for heroism and outstanding meritorious service.

Fifty years after his death, Carl’s friends and family still recalled his courage, strength of character, and willingness to sacrifice personally to fight injustice. He aspired to fit in as an ordinary soldier, but in their minds, he was extraordinary.