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William Thompson (Medal of Honor, 1950)
Encyclopedia
William Henry Thompson (August 16, 1927 – August 6, 1950) was a United States Army
soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor
, for his actions in the Korean War
.
On August 6, 1950, Thompson manned his machine gun
during an overwhelming enemy attack, providing covering fire for his comrades despite his own wounds. He died of his wounds that day, 10 days before his 23rd birthday, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. He was buried in Long Island National Cemetery
, Farmingdale, New York
.
, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near [Sobuk-San Hill, 5 miles South of Haman], South Korea
, August 6, 1950.
Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y. Birth: New York City
G.O. No.: 63, August 2, 1951
Citation:
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, for his actions in the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
.
On August 6, 1950, Thompson manned his machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
during an overwhelming enemy attack, providing covering fire for his comrades despite his own wounds. He died of his wounds that day, 10 days before his 23rd birthday, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle. He was buried in Long Island National Cemetery
Long Island National Cemetery
Long Island National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located in Suffolk County, New York. Its mailing address is Farmingdale. It is within the CDPS of Wyandanch, in the Town of Babylon, and Melville in the Town of Huntington...
, Farmingdale, New York
Farmingdale, New York
The Village of Farmingdale is an incorporated village on Long Island within the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County, New York in the United States...
.
Medal of Honor citation
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment24th Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 24th Infantry Regiment was a unit of the United States Army, active from 1869 until 1951, and again from 1995 until 2006. The regiment is notable for having a colorfully checkered history, with a record of mostly meritorious service and valorous combat performance interspersed with episodes of...
, 25th Infantry Division
Place and date: Near [Sobuk-San Hill, 5 miles South of Haman], South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, August 6, 1950.
Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y. Birth: New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
G.O. No.: 63, August 2, 1951
Citation:
Pfc. Thompson distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his platoon was reorganizing under cover of darkness, fanatical enemy forces in overwhelming strength launched a surprise attack on the unit. Pfc. Thompson set up his machine gun in the path of the onslaught and swept the enemy with withering fire, pinning them down momentarily thus permitting the remainder of his platoonPlatoonA platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
to withdraw to a more tenable position. Although hit repeatedly by grenadeGrenadeA grenade is a small explosive device that is projected a safe distance away by its user. Soldiers called grenadiers specialize in the use of grenades. The term hand grenade refers any grenade designed to be hand thrown. Grenade Launchers are firearms designed to fire explosive projectile grenades...
fragments and small-arms fire, he resisted all efforts of his comrades to induce him to withdraw, steadfastly remained at his machine gun and continued to deliver deadly, accurate fire until mortally wounded by an enemy grenade. Pfc. Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of military service.
See also
- List of Korean War Medal of Honor recipients
- List of African American Medal of Honor recipients