Born in the community of Bethel in Haywood County, North Carolina, Thompson joined the Army from Prescott, Arizona[1][2] on 18 November 1942.

[2] After his military service, Thompson worked in Canton, North Carolina, for Champion International Paper's inspection department.

He manned an abandoned machinegun and fired on the enemy until a direct hit from a hostile tank destroyed the gun.

Though wounded, he held his position fearlessly, continued his grenade fire, and finally forced the enemy to abandon the blockhouse.

Thompson's courageous leadership inspired his men and materially contributed to the clearing of the enemy from his last remaining hold on this important hill position.