Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Regiment:

    First Provisional Group (H)

    Division:

    Middle East Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 15, 1942

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Middle East, General Orders No. 17 (September 23, 1942)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Corporal John M. Thompson, Jr. (ASN: 7020885), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action with the enemy while serving as Aerial Engineer/Gunner of a B-24 Liberator Bomber in the First Provisional Group (Heavy), Middle East Air Forces. On 15 June 1942 Corporal Thompson took part in an attack upon Italian Fleet operating in the Mediterranean Sea, made by a formation of U. S. Army Air Force heavy bombers. This attack was so successful that the fleet was forced to withdraw permitting safe passage to a British convoy bound for Malta. On the return flight to base, he manned his machine with such precision and in such perfect coordination with the remainder of the formation that intercepting enemy fights were driven off with two casualties. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Thompson, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.