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 Private First Class Weston Harris Thompson, Jr. (ASN: RA-11218087), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company L, 3d Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy in Korea. On 30 January 1952, Company L dispatched a patrol to make a reconnaissance of enemy-held Hill 317, near Chuggo jan, Korea. As the patrol neared its objective it was subjected to an intense hail of hostile automatic weapons, small arms and grenade fire from well-concealed positions only a few yards away, on higher ground. The fierce, accurate enemy fire immediately inflicted three casualties on the friendly patrol, forcing it to seek cover. Realizing that the patrol could neither advance nor withdraw from its precarious position, Private Thompson completely disregarded his personal safety as he left his position of cover and fearlessly dashed through the withering enemy fire to a position directly in front of the hostile bunker that had the patrol pinned down. In order to draw the enemy’s fire upon himself and allow his comrades to withdraw with the wounded, Private Thompson courageously rose to an upright position, knowing fully the dangers involved, and commenced firing accurately and rapidly directly into the hostile position, inflicting several enemy casualties and forcing the balance to seek cover. This heroic act enabled the patrol to withdraw and evacuate its casualties to a relatively safe position. During the vicious conflict Private Thompson was hit and mortally wounded by the enemy fire but his willing sacrifice of his life assured the evacuation of his wounded comrades and the prevention of further casualties. Private Thompson’s outstanding gallantry and untiring devotion to his fellow soldiers reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.