Oral History: Thompson, Clovis

Clovis Thompson, a native of Abilene, TX, was a Marine with the 1st Marine Raider Battalion during WWII. He served for 27 months in the Pacific and was part of extensive combat in New Caledonia and Okinawa.

During the battle of Okinawa he volunteered to personally take out a Japanese mortar position by exposing himself repeatedly to enemy fire in his attempts to hit it with grenades. After those attempts failed he finally rushed the position with a demolition charge and was successful.

For his heroism under fire he was awarded the Silver Star. Mr. Thompson also received the Purple Heart for wounds received in action.