On 3 November, 1944, Major FRANCIS H. THOMPSON, performed the action for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. At that time, Major Thompson was First Sergeant of Co. C., 382nd Infantry, 96th Infantry Division in combat near Dagami, Leyte, Philippine Islands. In the attack on the promontory known as “Bloody Ridge”, the entire officer personnel of two rifle companies in the area was either killed or wounded. As dusk approached, the two units were under heavy Japanese mortar, machine gun, and rifle fire from the front and one flank, with 500 yards of open rice paddy separating them from the remainder of the battalion. Assuming command of both companies, Sergeant Thompson reorganized them, called for covering tank fire, and planned and executed an orderly withdrawal. Despite his own serious wounds, he helped cover the evacuation with rifle and carbine fire until ammunition for each of the weapons was exhausted, at which time he collected grenades from the wounded men and, rushing forward into the face of intense fire, silenced an enemy machine gun which was inflicting heavy casualties. He then assisted in the evacuation of a wounded officer and other casualties until he was overcome himself by exhaustion. As a result of Sergeant Thompson’s heroic leadership and spirit of self-sacrifice, both companies successfully withdrew and were able to reorganize for a subsequent counter-attack.

Major Thompson joined the Legion of Valor in 1961 and resided in Texas.