The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star (Army Award) to Captain David W. Thomson (MCSN: 0-11369), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for gallantry in action on over Leyte, Philippine Islands on 12 December 1944. This officer was leading a flight of three Hellcat fighters flying protective cover for a convoy over Ormoc Bay when twenty-four enemy aircraft were sighted. Captain Thomson unhesitatingly led his flight into the attack, although the odds were eight to one against him. The Japanese formation was broken up and in the ensuing engagement eleven hostile aircraft were shot down. The remainder was, prevented from reaching their target. Captain Thomson’s flight accounted for five of the planes shot down and this officer personally accounted for two of them. The gallantry and leadership exhibited by Captain Thomson are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service.