More information:  

https://www.nps.gov/people/williamthompson.htm

Thompson was born in New York City in August 1927. He joined the Army in 1945 and served two enlistments before deploying to the Korean War with the 24th Infantry. On August 6, 1950, near Haman in South Korea, Thompson provided cover for his comrades as they withdrew from a surprise enemy attack. His courage was recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor, which his mother received in June 1951. Thompson is one of two black soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for service in the Korean War. Thompson is interred in Long Island National Cemetery – Farmingdale, NY, Section DSS, Site 19.

Long Island National Cemetery

Thompson was born in Aug.16, 1927, in New York City. He enlisted in the US Army in 1945 and completed one tour of duty. He reenlisted in January 1948, serving with the 24th Infantry from 1949–1950. On Aug. 6, 1950, near Haman in South Korea, Thompson provided cover for comrades as they withdrew from a surprise enemy attack. His courage was recognized posthumously with the Medal of Honor in June 1951. Thompson is one of two black soldiers to receive the Medal of Honor for service in the #KoreanWar. 

On August 6, 1950, PFC William H. Thompson, of the mostly segregated 24th Infantry Regiment, was killed in the Battle of Masan during the larger Pusan Perimeter offensive of the Korean War. Thompson grew up impoverished in Brooklyn, NY and enlisted in the Army late in 1945 shortly after turning 18. He was trained as a heavy weapons infantryman. On the night of his death, Thompson’s unit was ambushed by a detachment of North Korean troops who snuck in close range. Many in in Thompson’s unit retreated, however, he manned his Browning machine gun to cover them. Injured numerous times by grenade fragments and small arms fire, Thompson refused to leave his gun. His comrades reported a large grenade blast before his gun finally went silent. Thompson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his selfless action. He was the first of only two African Americans to receive this honor in the Korean War. Thompson’s heroics were initially overshadowed by the poor performance of the 24th early in the war and unfounded racially motivated criticisms.

WILLIAM THOMPSON

Service

KOREA

MEDAL OF HONOR

PURPLE HEART

US ARMY,

PFC

Resting Place

Mementos

Tributes

Word Cloud

Biography

Milestones

Mementos

Historical Documents

Veteran programs and services

More VA resources

Get VA updates

In crisis? Get help now

Contact us