Thompson, Joseph Wayne
Army Private 1st class

Joseph Wayne Thompson, age 19, from Danville, Virginia, Danville county.

Service era: Vietnam
Military history: 35th Infantry Regiment

Date of death: Saturday, September 2, 1967
Death details: Bronze Star citation: 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.
Cemetery: Floral Hills Memory Garden, Danville

Source: National Archives, Danville Register (1967), 35th Infantry Regiment Association