The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Field Artillery) John R. Thompson, Jr. (ASN: 0-1171394), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of Battery B, 11th Field Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 16 July 1950 along the Kum River, north of Taejon, Korea. The entire position area commanded by Captain Thompson was receiving intense mortar and small arms fire from the enemy. Realizing that the position was becoming untenable but having received no order from higher headquarters to withdraw, Captain Thompson without regard for personal safety moved throughout his area encouraging, calming, and keeping his men at their firing positions. When it became apparent that friendly infantry positions were no longer in front of his battery he received the order to withdraw. Even though the enemy had begun to penetrate his position, Captain Thompson personally supervised an orderly evacuation of personnel and equipment, refusing to leave until every piece of equipment had cleared the area. His courage and gallantry under fire, his disregard for personal safety and his devotion to duty reflect the highest credit on Captain Thompson and the military service.