Sergeant William J. Thompson distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53C Rescue Helicopter near DaNang Airfield, Republic of Vietnam, on 22 July 1971.  On that date, Sergeant Thompson was lowered by rescue hoist cable from a hovering helicopter down to the deck of a United States vessel to aid an injured seaman. Remounting the hoist lifting device with the patient, he supported him as they were raised back into the helicopter and then treated his wounds while they were enroute to a hospital on shore. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.