Sergeant William J. Thompson distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight at Quang Tri City, Republic of Vietnam, on 1 May 1972.  On that date, while serving as a Pararescue Specialist on an HH-53 helicopter, Sergeant Thompson participated in the successful rescue of one hundred twenty-nine American and Vietnamese Army personnel from the surrounded and besieged Citadel at Quang Tri. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant Thompson reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.