The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Master Sergeant Edgar Thompson, Jr. (ASN: RA-43013424), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 14 February 1951, in the vicinity of Yoju, Korea. On that date his company was under intense attack and completely surrounded by the enemy. Sergeant Thompson, although bleeding profusely from shrapnel wounds in the right hand and arm, took charge of the company and led a number of comrades through the enemy encirclement toward friendly lines. Disregarding his painful wounds, he aggressively engaged the enemy, firing his individual weapon with deadly accuracy and encouraging and urging his comrades to inflict casualties upon the enemy. In spite of heavy enemy mortar concentrations and point blank enemy small arms fire he continued to urge his men on until they broke through the enemy and reached the safety of friendly lines. The gallant conduct displayed by Sergeant Thompson reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.