The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
*THOMPSON, WILLIAM.
Rank and organization: Private First
Class, U.S. Army, 24th Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Place
and date: Near Haman, Korea, 6 August 1950. Entered service at: Bronx, N.Y. Birth:
New York, N.Y. G.O. No.: 63, 2 August 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 machinegun 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 machinegun 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.
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