The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Stephen R. Thompson, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with the Third Force Reconnaissance Company, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 16 February 1968, Petty Officer Thompson was participating in a reconnaissance patrol deep in enemy controlled territory southeast of Con Thien. When the patrol engaged several North Vietnamese soldiers and sustained one casualty, he unhesitatingly exposed himself to enemy small arms fire to render medical aid to the wounded Marine and move him to a covered position. Subsequently, as the patrol was maneuvering toward a landing zone for extraction, it came under intense automatic weapons and small arms fire from a numerically superior enemy force and sustained several additional casualties. Again, Petty Officer Thompson fearlessly exposed himself to hostile fire as he moved to the side of the casualties and, while treating the most seriously wounded Marine, supervised the efforts of several Marines who were rendering first aid to those less seriously wounded. Despite the heavy enemy fire, he directed the movement of the casualties across forty meters of exposed terrain to the fire-swept landing zone where he succeeded in placing them safely aboard the extraction helicopter. When another Marine was wounded by an enemy round which penetrated the helicopter, Petty Officer Thompson efficiently supervised a member of the crew in rendering first aid while he continued his determined efforts to save the life of the critically wounded Marine. Throughout, his professionalism and sincere concern for his companions inspired all who observed him and undoubtedly saved several Marine lives. By his exceptional courage, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, Petty Officer Thompson upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.