Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Field Artillery) Vernon C. Thompson, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Battery C, 49th Field Artillery Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in as an artillery forward observer with the 23d Republic of Korea Regiment, near Hoengsong, Korea, on 12 February 1951. On this date, Lieutenant Thompson and his party were directing artillery support for the ROK unit. In spite of heavy losses, the enemy, using a tremendous amount of automatic weapons, small arms fire and hand grenades succeeded in overrunning the regimental command post. Lieutenant Thompson, realizing the almost hopeless position of his party, loaded them in a jeep, and in the dark began to lead it out on foot through enemy lines. When the vehicle neared the enemy attack party, it received such a heavy volume of fire that all members were wounded, including Lieutenant Thompson. Upon discovering that the driver, because of wounds, was no longer able to operate the vehicle, Lieutenant Thompson took over disregarding his own wounds, drove through the enemy to the friendly lines. The daring courage and gallantry displayed by Lieutenant Thompson on this occasion reflect great credit on himself and the military service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Division:

    7th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    Headquarters, 7th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 124 (1951)

    (UNCONFIRMED – Citation Needed): Vernon C. Thompson, United States Army, is reported to have been awarded the Silver Star under the below-listed General Orders for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea.