The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class Charles Michael Thompson (ASN: RA-11727670), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 66th Military Police Company, 93d Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Group, 18th Military Police Brigade, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Thompson distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 16 September 1968 during a military police patrol near Qui Nhon. He received a radio transmission that another patrol had been ambushed by a Viet Cong force. He immediately proceeded to the scene to lend assistance. Upon arrival, his patrol supervisor’s vehicle was hit by devastating automatic weapons fire and veered off the road. Specialist Thompson immediately moved to aid his stricken comrade. He drove toward the vehicle through the murderous enemy fusillade, firing his weapon at the attackers. Stopping near the beleaguered jeep, he unhesitantly jumped out of his vehicle and while attempting to remove the wounded man, was mortally wounded. Specialist Fourth Class Thompson’s gallantry in action, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.