[1] Following the outbreak of World War II, Thompson put his legal career on hold to serve in the United States Navy.

After a few years of practicing law, Thompson returned to the military and from August 1950 to January 1952, commanded the United States Navy Reserve Battalion 4-68 completing a seventeen-month tour of active duty, on the staff of the commander, Eastern Sea Frontier.

[2] From 1969 to 1971, he chaired the House Subcommittee on Libraries and Memorials and during his tenure conducted the first-ever comprehensive hearings into the operations of the Smithsonian Institution.

[1] He was a ranking member of his party, serving as the chairman of the Committee on House Administration during his final three terms.

[5] Although Thompson maintained his innocence, he was convicted of bribery and conspiracy charges on December 3, 1980.