The young men sat silently, respectfully; mesmerized by a true story of service, sacrifice and survival. On Aug. 22, Navy Lt. Michael E. Thornton, a Congressional Medal of Honorrecipient, talked with members of the Cherry Creek High School varsity football team, recounting the dramatic rescue that earned him our nation's highest military honor.

It was the fall of 1972, during a reconnaissance mission in Vietnam. Thornton, then a Petty Officer, was shot in the back during a five-hour fire fight, but still ran more than 500 yards through enemy fire to rescue his wounded Lieutenant. Thornton carried that man, and another wounded man, out to sea, where they floated for more than two hours before being rescued.

Thornton, one of 101 living Medal of Honor recipients, often speaks with young people about hard work, personal responsibility and pulling their own weight.

"'If it is to be, it's up to me' is my mantra," said Thornton. "You don't quit on yourself. You don't slack off. You give 110 percent all the time."

He challenged the young men to be active citizens.

"When you turn 18, you have the obligation and the responsibility to vote," said Thornton. "I don't care who you vote for, as long as you educate yourself about the candidates and vote."

The Bruin football team gave Thornton a standing ovation at the end of his speech.

"He had an amazing story to tell, and it was good to hear it as a team," said safety Charlie Zeller, who is a senior this year. "It put things into perspective. Football is nothing compared to what he went through. He reminded us to focus on the bigger things in life."

Thornton's visit to Cherry Creek High School was sponsored by Smith Barney. The decorated veteran will be back in Colorado for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's Annual Convention, 'A Celebration of Valor,' being held in Denver Sept. 16-20.

On Sept. 18, as part of the convention, Thornton and nine other Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized by Cherry Creek School District students, staff and community members during assemblies at the district's middle and high schools.

"It is an honor and a privilege for Cherry Creek Schools to host these distinguished Americans and thank them again for their personal sacrifice and professional service to our country," said Superintendent Monte Moses. "Their presence in our schools will help our students better understand the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we bear as citizens of the United States of America."

For more information about the Congressional Medal of Honor, visit www.medalofhonor2008.org.