The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain (Air Corps) John Archibald Thompson, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service as Commanding Officer and Pilot of a P-39 fighter airplane in the 67th Fighter Squadron, 58th Fighter Group, FIFTH Air Force, U.S. Army Air Forces, in action against enemy forces at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, during the period 27 August 1942 through 25 September 1942. Captain Thompson led his fighter squadron in determined bombing and ground strafing attacks on enemy troops and surface forces, thereby contributing materially to the defense of Henderson Field despite the handicap of primitive operating conditions and shortage of equipment. In particular, on 8 September, with units of his squadron, Captain Thompson covered the withdrawal of our raiding forces to their boats in remarkably successful and complete evacuation operations. Captain Thompson’s outstanding courage, daring airmanship and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.