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Howard
Clarence
Thompson
January 8, 1942

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Howard Thompson graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1965. He retired in 1985 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    612th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    March 4, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-3643 (November 26, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain [then First Lieutenant] Howard Clarence Thompson (AFSN: FR-80694), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as an F-100 Fighter Pilot of the 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, in action near Mugia Pass, North Vietnam, on 4 March 1968. On that date, Captain Thompson was engaged in a tactical air strike against supply trucks in a heavily defended truck park. Completely disregarding his own safety, Captain Thompson made numerous low angle passes through intense ground fire and accurately delivered his ordnance on target, resulting in the destruction of the convoy. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Thomas has reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Captain [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    612th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    February 16, 1968
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1836 (June 20, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Captain [then First Lieutenant] Howard Clarence Thompson (AFSN: FR-80694), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as an F-100 Fighter Pilot of the 612th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam, in action in Southeast Asia on 16 February 1968. On that date, Lieutenant Thompson repeatedly dove his aircraft through intense automatic weapons fire to air support pinned down friendly forces deployed in the defense of the city of Hue, Republic of Vietnam. His aggressiveness and courage in the face of withering hostile fire were instrumental in the destruction of several gun positions, and the relief of friendly forces. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, Lieutenant Thompson completed his assigned mission, saving numerous friendly lives. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Air Force.