The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Leslie D. Thompson (MCSN: 2366588), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 3 March 1969, during Operation TAYLOR COMMON, Company M was conducting a reconnaissance in force in Quang Nam Province when one of Sergeant Thompson’s squads was pinned down by a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire from a large North Vietnamese Army force occupying well-concealed emplacements. Immediately deploying the remainder of his platoon as a reaction unit, Sergeant Thompson placed his men in effective fighting positions enabling the beleaguered squad to withdraw. The following day, as the platoon came under intense hostile fire, Sergeant Thompson fearlessly ran to the point of heaviest contact and exhorted his me to advance. As the Marines progressed up a hill, firing became more intensified until, fifty meters from their objective, they were forced to occupy covered emplacements. Supplying himself with extra ammunition, Sergeant Thompson, while seeking to pinpoint the major source of Vietnamese fire, became the target of concentrated attention from two points. Maintaining his dangerously exposed position, he provided accurate suppressive fire while another Marine recovered a casualty, then skillfully maneuvered his men to a more tenable location. On 5 March 1969, Sergeant Thompson was conducting a recovery operation when he was mortally wounded by enemy fire. By his courage, aggressive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty, Sergeant Thompson inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.