Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion

    Regiment:

    7th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.) FMF

    Action Date:

    October 19, 1967

    Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Corporal Brock I. Thompson (MCSN: 2304778), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Fire Team Leader, Second Squad, Third Platoon, Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 October 1967. The Second Squad was acting as security for Bridge 11 on Highway 1, in Quang Nam Province, when it came under an extremely heavy barrage of grenades and withering small-arms and automatic weapons fire from a numerically superior Viet Cong force of estimated platoon size. Instantly maneuvering himself to a position from where he could observe the enemy entering the perimeter, Corporal Thompson opened fire, mortally wounding one of the enemy. Learning that his Squad Leader was seriously wounded, he immediately took command of the situation and moved to consolidate the surviving members of the squad and to direct fire upon the enemy. As the enemy advanced, a grenade landed between Corporal Thompson and a member of his fire team. With complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Thompson unhesitatingly picked up the grenade, turned to place his body between the certain devastating blast and his fellow Marines, and attempted to throw the grenade. The grenade exploded critically wounding him. Despite his severe injury, he displayed magnificent determination and courage, and, refusing medical attention, he continued to direct and control the remaining members of the squad in organizing the successful defense of the position until additional friendly forces arrived. Only after all other wounded members of the squad had been treated, did he allow himself to be cared for and evacuated. Corporal Thompson’s courageous actions and inspiring leadership upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.