As we pause for this holiday season, we remain grateful for those who have served to protect our freedoms. And we once again bring you the story of an American servicemember who went far above and beyond the call of duty.

Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Mike Thornton shares his story of service from the Vietnam War. Thornton tells Greg Corombos about the challenge of SEAL (BUD/S) training and his actions from October 31, 1972, that earned him the Medal of Honor.

Hear how Thornton and three others fended off 75 enemy fighters, how he ran across 500 yards of open ground under fire to save a fellow SEAL, and how he swam himself and others to safety after being wounded multiple times.

And you'll hear the wonderful reason Thornton was reprimanded for his conduct on the day he received the Medal of Honor.