The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Colonel (Infantry) Floyd James Thompson (ASN: 51376014), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Colonel Thompson distinguished himself by outstandingly meritorious service to the United States Army while serving in a series of assigned duties which clearly demonstrates distinguished performance during the period December 1963 to December 1981. During this period, Colonel Thompson served as a Special Forces Detachment Commander at Fort Bragg, as a Deputy Director of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, and as a staff officer at the United States Army Military Personnel Center and in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Headquarters, Department of the Army. While he made major contributions to these organizations through his leadership skills and professionalism, he made a truly incalculable and remarkable impression on the entire Nation through his nine year internment as a prisoner of war. As the longest held prisoner during the Vietnam era, Colonel Thompson demonstrated truly magnificent powers of faith, physical endurance, and trust in the Nation during years of almost unfathomable deprivation and hardship. That he emerged from this experience with a determination to continue to serve and to share his experience with his fellow Americans, no matter how uncomfortable to him personally, is a true testament to his indomitable spirit and belief in his country. The value and dimension of Colonel Thompson’s many accomplishments, singular dedication to duty, and overall extraordinary and distinguished performance represent meritorious achievement and distinction in the most honored and cherished traditions of the United States Army.