The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Joseph E. Thompson (ASN: RA-34096204), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company H, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 7 January 1951 in the vicinity of Wonju, Korea. Early in the morning of that date, enemy troops had successfully infiltrated through the front lines and had attacked Corporal Thompson’s 81-mm. mortar platoon. As he was defending his position against the attack of numerically superior enemy forces, he observed an enemy hand grenade fall near a group of his comrades. Without hesitation and with complete indifference for his personal safety, he left the comparative security of his position, dashed across the terrain swept by hostile fire, and kicked the grenade from the proximity of the men just before it exploded. He then returned to his position and continued to engage the enemy in the firefight. His intrepid action in risking his life to save the lives of his comrades reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.