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James E. Thompson Jr.
James Edward Thompson Jr. (October 13, 1935 – June 8, 2017) was a United States Army officer. He attained the rank of lieutenant general and was a commander of the 101st Airborne Division and First United States Army. Early lifeJames Edward Thompson Jr. was born in Durham, North Carolina on October 13, 1935,[1][2] and graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in education.[2] While in college, Thompson completed the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, and at his graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry.[2] Military educationAfter receiving his commission, Thompson completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course.[2] His later military education included the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Air Command and Staff College, and United States Army War College.[2] In addition, he received a Master of Arts in political science from Auburn University.[2] Military careerEarly careerDuring the Vietnam War, Thompson commanded the 162nd Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) during the first half of 1968.[3] Thompson's later field grade officer assignments included: commander, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division;[2] assistant chief of staff for operations, plans and training (G-3), 25th Infantry Division;[2] director, military planning studies (European regions), Army War College;[2] and commander, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.[2] General officerAfter receiving promotion to brigadier general, Thompson's assignments included: assistant division commander (ADC) for support and ADC for operations, 101st Airborne Division, Kentucky;[2] deputy director for plans and policy, United States Pacific Command;[2] and deputy director for operations, readiness, and mobilization in the Office of the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3).[2] .jpg) Thompson was assigned as commander of the 101st Airborne Division in August 1983,[2] and he served until June 1985.[4] From 1985 to 1987, Thompson was commandant of the United States Army War College.[4][5] In June 1987, Thompson was assigned as commander of First United States Army;[6] he held this position until retiring in 1991.[6] Awards and decorationsThompson's awards and decorations include:[2]
FamilyThompson was married to Patricia (Cofer) Thompson.[2] They were the parents of two children, James and Tamara.[2] Death and burialIn retirement, Thompson resided in St. Simons, Georgia.[7] He died in Brunswick, Georgia on June 8, 2017.[8] Thompson was buried at Christ Church Episcopal Cemetery in St. Simons.[8] References
SourcesBooks
Internet
Newspapers
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