The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Navy Award) to Private First Class Norman H. Thompson (20711202), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company F, 2d Battalion, 164th Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division (Americal), as a member of a patrol dispatched into enemy territory to establish contact with a unit on our right flank, on 10 November 1942, in the Solomon Islands. Private First Class Thompson, upon successful fulfillment of the mission, was ambushed by Japanese firing machine guns. After the patrol leader was killed and most of the remaining members seriously wounded. Private First Class Thompson and one other man risked their lives to withdraw the wounded. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.