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Navy Bestows Overdue Honor On WWII Veteran
Story Number: NNS041102-03
Release Date: 11/2/2004 7:34:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Jay Cope, Naval Air Station New Orleans Public Affairs
NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Navy WWII veteran Willie Thompson Jr. was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his heroic actions during WWII by Commander, Naval Reserve Force Vice Adm. John G. Cotton Oct. 22.
Thompson, a longtime New Orleans resident, received the award during the Navy's Birthday Ball at the Marriot hotel in downtown New Orleans.
"Mr. Thompson's bravery and heroic efforts in saving two of his fellow shipmates far exceeded the call of duty," said Cmdr. Marco Cromartie, executive officer, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans. "He is certainly deserving of this recognition, and we in the Navy family are very pleased to be a part of rectifying this disparity."
While still a Seaman First Class and attached to the 14th Special Naval Construction Battalion in the Marshall Islands, Thompson rescued two Sailors from drowning during two separate incidents in 1944.
In the first incident, a petty officer fell between a Higgins boat and a floating barge, causing injuries to his legs, leaving him unable to swim. Thompson jumped in and pulled the Sailor clear of danger.
Seven days later, another Sailor, who was unable to swim, fell into the ocean from the Higgins boat. Thompson also pulled that man to safety in response to the "man overboard" calls.
Thompson was commended for his actions in 1944 through commendation letters, but never received an actual medal.
For related news, visit the Naval Air Station New Orleans Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nasno.
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