Mike & H&S Companies 

Third Battalion, Fifth Marines

Veterans of the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of takes pride in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL posthumously to

SERGEANT LESLIE D. THOMPSON

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

for service as set forth in the following

   CITATION:

For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division. On 11 September 1968, during Operation MAMELUKE THRUST in Quang Nam Province, Company M was advancing into open rice paddies west of An Hoa when the lead elements came under intense automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force and sustained numerous casualties. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Sergeant (then Lance Corporal) Thompson rapidly deployed his men and skillfully maneuvered them across approximately 300 meters of fire-swept terrain to aid the wounded Marines. Reaching the casualties, he supervised and assisted in evacuating several of them to positions of relative safety. Quickly reorganizing his team, he then launched a determined assault against the hostile emplacements. Fearlessly exposing himself to the enemy fire, he shouted words of encouragement to his men and directed a heavy volume of fire upon the hostile positions. Boldly advancing to within ten meters of an enemy bunker, he threw several hand grenades into the structure and forced the hostile soldiers to abandon their covered position. Disregarding his own safety, he rapidly stood up and delivered intense fire, killing three of the enemy soldiers as they attempted to flee. Continuing his determined efforts, he quickly moved his Marines forward and seized several emplacements, enabling his comrades to advance and engage the disorganized enemy force. His heroic actions and aggressive leadership inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in the accomplishment of his unit's mission.  Sergeant Thompson's courage, bold initiative, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

The Combat "V" is authorized.

   For the President

L. F. Chapman