The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major John Dudley Thompson (AFSN: FR-57920), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-4D aircraft of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, DaNang Air Base, Vietnam, in action near Dong Hoi, North Vietnam, on 1 September 1968. On that date, Major Thompson flew his F-4D aircraft against anti-aircraft sites which had delayed a rescue operation for more than four hours by damaging and driving away the rescue aircraft. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Major Thompson repeatedly attacked the anti-aircraft batteries until they were silenced, allowing the rescue aircraft to successfully complete the pickup of the downed crew member. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Thompson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
MajorBatallion:
390th Tactical Fighter SquadronDivision:
DaNang Air Base, VietnamAction Date:
September 1, 1968
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-4906 (November 29, 1969) -
Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-3159 (October 17, 1968)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major John Dudley Thompson (AFSN: FR-57920), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4D Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 29 May 1968. On that date, Major Thompson flew close air support for a friendly ground unit which was pinned down by hostile mortar and artillery fire near the Demilitarized Zone north of Dong Ha, Republic of Vietnam. By making repeated low altitude passes into heavy ground fire, Major Thompson successfully neutralized a fortified hostile complex and scattered the accompanying forces. His courage and aerial skill silenced the barrage of hostile fire and undoubtedly saved many friendly lives. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelAction Date:
January 23, 1978 – July 31, 1981
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel John Dudley Thompson (AFSN: FR-57920), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Deputy for Armament Systems, Armament Division, Elgin Air Force Base, Florida, from 23 January 1978 to 31 July 1981. In this important assignment the outstanding leadership, superior technical and management capabilities, exemplary foresight, and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Thompson resulted in significant contributions to the effectiveness and success of the development and procurement of conventional weapons systems. His contributions will continue to favorably affect the operational effectiveness of United States air power for years to come. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Thompson culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.