The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Joseph Wayne Thompson, who died in the service of his country on September 2nd, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Booby Trap. At the time of his death Joseph was 19 years of age. He was from Danville, Virginia. Joseph is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 25E, Line 90.
The decorations earned by PFC Joseph Wayne Thompson include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
(News story from the September 5 1967 Danville Register)
A Danville youth, who had served in Vietnam only 22 days, became the seventh person to lose his life in Vietnam this year.
PFC Joseph Wayne Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Thompson of 516 Cliff Street,
Died from wounds inflicted as a result of a Booby trap detonation. He was drafted in the Army on January 4 1967 and received his Basic Training at Fort Bragg, NC. He had completed Advanced Individual Training at Fort Polk, LA and was sent to Vietnam. Born November 10 1947 in Danville, he attended the Glenwood School. In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Virgina Franks and Mrs. Doris Harvey, both of Danville, and one brother, John Thompson, also of the city.
Joseph is buried in Floral Hills Memory Garden in Danville, VA
(His BSM Citation)
The Bronze Star Medal is Presented to Private First Class Joseph W Thompson
For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Thompson distinguished himself as a Rifleman while serving in D, 1/35th Infantry. He was noted from the very beginning of his tour for the professional and conscientious manner in which he applied himself to everything he did. Private First Class Joseph W Thompson quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers, sharing the hardships and danger they faced with determination and perseverance. He participated wholeheartedly in all phases of his unit's operations; working with a willingness indicative of his realization of the importance of his company's mission in Vietnam. He was mortally wounded by shrapnel from an exploding mine on 2 September 1967. Private First Class Joseph W Thompson's conduct and performance are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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