The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Technician Fourth Grade Wilson L. Thompson, Jr. (ASN: 34615018), United States Army, for heroism at Luzon, Philippine Islands, on 1 February 1945. Sergeant Thompson was riding in a truck when it lurched, causing a passenger to fall between the vehicle and its trailer. The falling man’s foot was caught on the trailer lunette. Sergeant Thompson, at great risk to himself, immediately jumped between the truck and trailer, and tackled the soldier about the waist, carrying him clear of the moving trailer to safety. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.