John Clarence Thornton was born 17 Sep 1920 in Fort Smith, Sebastian Co., Ar. to John Tarrell & Eva Lynn Aikman Thornton. On 5 Mar 1943 in Fort Smith, Ar. John married Sara May Cress of Fayetteville, Washington Co., Ar. John entered the service 1 Jan 1940. He was listed as a Ensign in rank and a PBY Pilot with Squadron 33. Ensign John Clarence Thornton was shot down over Bismark Bay, north of New Guinea 10 Mar 1944. Patrol Squadron THIRTY THREE (VP33) was established on 1 April 1942. 15 Feb 1944 VP-33 was relocated to Samarai, New Guinea, under the operational control of FAW-17. The squadron was assigned night search patrols and attack missions against enemy shipping in the Bismarck Sea. John has a marker in the Natl. Cem as well as Forest Park Cem. in Ft. Smith.