The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Technician Fifth Grade Benjamin L. Thompson, Jr. (ASN: 35916967), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 35th Infantry Division, in action in the vicinity of ****, Lorraine, France, on 11 November 1944. While supporting an infantry attack on **** Ridge, Company C, *** Tank Battalion, was subjected to intense artillery and mortar fire as well as direct anti-tank crossfire. The turret of a tank driven by Technician Thompson was penetrated by enemy fire and three members of the crew were seriously wounded. In the face of enemy fire of all types, Technician Thompson removed one of the wounded soldiers from the tank and carried him a distance of about 100 yards, under enemy observation, to another tank. He made two more trips over exposed terrain to the disabled tank to evacuate the other two wounded crew members to a place of safety. His gallantry under fire and his loyalty to his wounded comrades-in-arms reflect credit upon Technician Thompson’s character and training as a soldier.