Alexander Neil Thompson, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Alexander Neil Thompson, Jr. (7704721), Gunners Mate Third Class, U.S. Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving on board the U.S.S. LIBERTY (AGTR-5), in action in the Mediterranean Sea on 8 June 1967. Courageously and single-handedly, Gunner’s Mate Third Class Thompson operated machine gun 51 and continued to fire on the aircraft in defense of his ship and shipmates until he was fatally wounded by a rocket blast. His aggressiveness and coolness under fire was exceptional inspirational leadership in an hour of awesome peril and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.