No verified public-domain photo is on file yet.
Korean War
Gave his life
William Thompson
Private First Class · U.S. Army
U.S. Army, 24th Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division
6 August 1950 · Haman, Korea
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- Korean War
- Home state
- New York
- Action
- Haman, Korea
The citation
Official citation
Private First Class 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. Private First Class 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 platoon to withdraw to a more tenable position. Although hit repeatedly by grenade 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. Private First Class Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of military service.