35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SP4 Herbert Leon Thompson    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
2nd Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SP4 Herbert Leon Thompson, who died in the service of his country on October 19th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Grenade Into NDP. At the time of his death Herbert was 20 years of age. He was from Winter Garden, Florida. Herbert is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 28E, Line 42.

The decorations earned by SP4 Herbert Leon 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.


GRENADE INTO NDP 9 KM W-SW OF DUC PHO

Herbert is buried in the Orlando Memorial Gardens, Apoka, FL

Bronze Star for Merit Citation

For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. From February 1967 to October 1967, Specialist Four Thompson distinguished himself while serving as a Squad Leader in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry. Specialist Four Thompson's enthusiasm and versatility enabled him to excel in the varied and difficult tasks to which he was assigned. He was quick to grasp the implications of any new problem and find a practical solution. With his energy, dedication, and extensive knowledge, he was often given responsibilities usually entrusted only to those of higher rank. He was promoted to his present rank and given the position of squad leader for attaining honor graduate of his Brigades Non-commissioned Officer Academy, His aggressiveness and reliability were a constant inspiration to his fellow soldiers. He was mortally wounded in action on 19 October 1967. Specialist Four Thompson's outstanding performance is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army