The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Wilmot B. Thompson (ASN: 37467329), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Bougainville, Solomon Islands, from 16 to 21 March 1944. During this period, Private First Class Thompson distinguished himself on numerous occasions and his valiant efforts helped materially in repulsing repeated assaults on American front line positions. He volunteered for a patrol, whose mission was the destruction of an enemy field piece and demonstrated outstanding courage and devotion to duty in successfully carrying out his assigned task. During this mission, he was among the first to reach the enemy positions and killed a number of Japanese with accurate rifle fire and others by dropping hand grenades into foxholes occupied by hostile soldiers. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Private First Class Thompson, 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.