Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander William Calhoun Thompson, Jr. (NSN: 0-7497), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CABRILLA (SS-288), on the FIFTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 3 July 1944 to 19 August 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Sulu Sea. Although his vessel was constantly harassed by enemy anti-submarine patrols, both surface and air, in his assigned operating area, Commander Thompson accomplished the sinking of 27,900 tons of enemy shipping. In two well-conducted attacks he completely destroyed a convoy of four ships, despite the fact that they were screened and protected by a Destroyer Escort vessel and four Patrol Craft working in conjunction with a daylight plane patrol. On the second attack he courageously took his ship into the restricted waters of a bay to deliver the attack from the convoy’s inshore flank, and thus completely out-maneuvered the enemy escort vessels. He brought his ship safely throughout a close depth charge attack, and also evaded the enemy’s attempts to attack, which included bombing and strafing by plane and gunfire from surface craft. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287)

    Action Date:

    August 16 – October 10, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 7739 (December 5, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Calhoun Thompson, Jr. (NSN: 0-74947), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), during the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during the period from 16 August to 10 October 1943. While under enemy fire, Lieutenant Commander Thompson assisted the Commanding Officer so skillfully, courageously and with such tenacity of purpose during the approach and attack on an enemy convoy that his ship was maneuvered into position to strike the enemy resulting in the destruction of three enemy merchant ships totaling over 23,000 tons in a single action. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Cabrilla (SS-288)

    Action Date:

    September 13 – October 25, 1944
    Commander in Chief Pacific: Serial 0565 (January 21, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Commander William Calhoun Thompson, Jr. (NSN: 0-74947), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. CABRILLA (SS-288), on the SIXTH War Patrol of that submarine during the period 13 September 1944 to 25 October 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the South China Sea. Through tenacious and aggressive actions, Commander Thompson skillfully penetrated strong air and surface escort screens to deliver intelligently planned and well executed torpedo attacks against enemy shipping. Persistent anti-submarine efforts by the enemy were skillfully eluded by his brilliant evasive tactics, thus enabling him to escape and bring his ship to port safely. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Bowfin (SS-287)

    Action Date:

    November 1 – December 9, 1943
    Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0475 (March 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander William Calhoun Thompson, Jr. (NSN: 0-74947), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. BOWFIN (SS-287), during the SECOND War Patrol of that submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters during the period from 1 November to 9 December 1943. While under enemy fire, Lieutenant Commander Thompson assisted the Commanding Officer so skillfully, courageously and with such tenacity of purpose during the approaches and attacks on two enemy convoys and numerous other vessels that his ship was maneuvered into position to strike the enemy resulting in the destruction of fourteen enemy vessels totaling over 70,000 tons. His actions and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.