William Henry Thompson
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Korean War

William Henry Thompson was born on 16 August 1927 in New York City. He was a Private First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

On 6 August 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 two weeks later, just after his 23rd birthday, and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the battle.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company M, 24th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Place and date: Near [Sobuk-San Hill, 5 miles South of Haman], South Korea, 6 August 1950

Entered service at: Bronx, NY

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 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. Pfc. Thompson's dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice reflect the highest credit on himself and uphold the esteemed traditions of military service.

Other Medals

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Thompson was awarded the Purple Heart.

Death and Burial

Private First Class William Henry Thompson died 23 August 1950 as a result of wounds received in action on 6 August 1950. He is buried at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY.