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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Howell B. Thompson (ASN: 0-33385), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 4 October 1951, near Chungse-ri, Korea, the 1st Battalion attacked Hill 281, a major enemy stronghold, which had been heavily fortified and was strongly defended by a determined enemy force. Colonel Thompson, in order to maintain a coordinated attack and to keep in immediate contact with the battle, located his observation post on a nearby ridge, which, in the course of the engagement, received a severe pounding by an enemy artillery and mortar barrage. The bursting shells inflicted casualties upon friendly troops in the area, but, Colonel Thompson, despite the urgings of subordinate commanders that he vacate his position, remained on the ridge and moved about through the area to obtain better observation and to direct the fire of the assault units. Under his unflinching and skillful direction, the attack proved successful and the defeated enemy force withdrew in confusion from the hill. Colonel Thompson’s resolute gallantry reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Major (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    May 21, 1951
    Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 331 (July 31, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Major (Infantry) Howell B. Thompson (ASN: 0-33385), United States Army, for heroic achievement during ground operations against a hostile force as a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 21 May 1951, near Tunjong-dong, Korea, when it became necessary to seize some vitally important terrain features, Major Thompson, 1st Battalion Commander, dispatched Company B to make a reconnaissance of the area. In an effort to regain contact with the patrol, Major Thompson organized another group and led it deep into enemy territory. Although frequently exposed to hostile fire and forced to move through darkness over unfamiliar terrain, Major Thompson succeeded in locating the Company B patrol and placed it in defensive positions at the selected site. Major Thompson’s heroic actions and exemplary leadership reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.