Letter written by Admiral W.A. Halsey

Lieuenant Macdonald Thompson, USN (Naval Academy 1937)

"In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander of the South Pacific Area and the South Pacific Forces takes pleasure in awarding the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Thompson, U.S. Navy, for services set forth in the following citation:

"For heroism and extra ordinary achievement while engaged with Japanese Naval Forces off Quadalcanal during the period of November 13 to 15, 1942. Lieutenant Thompson led a division of torpedo planes to deliver an attack against a Japanese ship of the Konko class. Three torpedo hits were scored thereby stopping the enemy vessel and preventing it from shelling the aircraft insallations of Henderson Field, Quadalcanal. This magnificent performance of duty, accomplished in spite of heavy anti-aircraft fire and an umpgrella of enemy fighters, was unquestionably a major factor in the glorious achievement. With unswerving devotion to duty and with tireless energy he then participated in repeated attacks on major enemy forces. His notorious performance of duty and cool leadership were an inspiration to the officers and men fighting on Quadalcanal and were in keeping with the highest tradition of the Naval Services."

/s/ W. A. Halsey
Admiral, U.S. Navy

Lt. MacDonald Thompson flew with the VT-3; VT-7; VT-10 Torpedo squadrons on USS Saratoga; USS Hancock and USS Enterprise. Lt. Thompson, (DFC - Presidential Citation & others medals of honor) died on Sept. 21, 1944 in his plane.