The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class John Wayne Thompson (ASN: 16635391), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 8 February 1969 in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Thompson was serving as a Platoon Sergeant with his mechanized unit on a reconnaissance in force mission through a bunker complex. As the company proceeded through the treacherous area, it was subjected to a savage enemy automatic weapons fusillade which resulted in the death of a friendly soldier. Sergeant Thompson completely disregarded his personal safety and charged the bunker through a hail of enemy bullets. Upon reaching the fortification, he forced the insurgents deeper into the complex by throwing hand grenades into several entrances. His valiant actions were the deciding factors in the surrender of seven male and three female Viet Cong. Sergeant First Class Thompson’s unquestionable valor while engaged in military operation involving conflict with an insurgent force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.