The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Albert J. Thompson (ASN: ER-32726837), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of the 3d Reconnaissance Company, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 26 May 1951, Sergeant Thompson accompanied a reconnaissance unit which was assigned the mission of spearheading an infantry attack near Sawolpyong, Korea. When an M-39 personnel carrier struck a mine and overturned, several of the occupants were severely injured, and nearby enemy elements immediately opened fire on the unit, preventing an evacuation of the stricken soldiers. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant Thompson removed a machine gun from a vehicle and rushed to a forward position. Although completely exposed to enemy observation and fire, he directed concentrated bursts of fire into the enemy emplacements and eventually neutralized them. Sergeant Thompson’s gallant actions enabled his comrades to evacuate the injured to safety and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.