The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Benjamin H. Thompson (ASN: 0-2027053), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Battery C, 15th Field Artillery Battalion, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy from 7 to 9 April 1951, in the vicinity of San-gomi, Korea. Lieutenant Thompson was attached to Company A, 23d Infantry Regiment as a forward observer. As Company A advanced toward the high ground surrounding the main road in the area, it received intensive mortar and machine gun fire from the commanding hill. Lieutenant Thompson worked his way forward to a place from which he could observe the entrenched enemy. Despite heavy small arms and automatic weapons fire directed at him, he remained at his post and adjusted artillery fire on the enemy position with such accuracy that the enemy troops were forced to abandon their positions. Because of his fast and accurate adjustment of artillery fire, Company A was able to advance toward their main objective. Throughout the action Lieutenant Thompson continued to expose himself to enemy fire. His actions greatly raised the morale of the men in the company and enabled them to hold their position. The devotion to duty and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.