Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Batallion:

    Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364)

    Regiment:

    Marine Aircraft Group 16 (MAG-16)

    Division:

    1st Marine Aircraft Wing

    Action Date:

    April 30, 1964

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Staff Sergeant John C. Thompson (MCSN: 1425383), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOUR (HMM-364), Marine Aircraft Group SIXTEEN, First Marine Aircraft Wing, in support of the Republic of Vietnam against the insurgent communist guerrilla forces (Viet Cong) on 30 April 1964. During this action, Sergeant Thompson was assigned as loadmaster to service a flight of eighteen helicopters ordered to effect the evacuation of an outpost which was totally surrounded by the insurgent communist guerrillas. He arrived in the zone on the first aircraft and remained at his post until all the trapped personnel had been safely evacuated. As each aircraft approached for landing, he willingly stood up, exposing himself to heavy fire being placed on the landing zone and guided the aircraft to a safe landing by use of hand and arm signals. During intervals between landing helicopters, he armed himself with hand grenades and employed them in the defense of the landing zone. When the final aircraft arrived there were six persons, including Sergeant Thompson, left to be evacuated. As the pre-established number of five passengers was loaded, he gallantly offered to remain alone in the face of certain death in order to keep the load of the helicopter at a safe weight for take-off and to cover it with fire during its withdrawal. The pilot ordered him aboard and as the helicopter was taking off and he was pulled in, the passengers and crew fired over his body at the attacking enemy. His great personal valor and fearless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.