James Aaron Thompson
A graduate of Kennett High School in Conway, New Hampshire, died March 19th 2014. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Brothers) Thompson of Petoskey, Michigan, A daughter, Valerie Lynn Thompson of Daytona Beach, Florida and a granddaughter Meagan Janelle Whisker of Daytona Beach Florida.
James was born in North Conway, New Hampshire on December 28th 1945, to Rita Sawyer Thompson and George Edward Thompson. James was the youngest of five children. James served in Vietnam in the 503rd Airborne Infantry Unit and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was a decorated soldier with a Honorable discharge. He received the Bronze Medal with V for Valor for heroism during his tour of duty in Vietnam during 1964 – 1965. While with the 503rd, James participated in 29 combat in a single year.
James contributed his time at the Vietnam Memorial Wall by working in the vigil booths for several years to promote awareness of the POW and MIA soldiers.
At the time of his death James had finished a journal/manuscript he authored about his service in the Vietnam War. This became “Hill 65” and was published with the help of Jim’s wife Cynthia Thompson and several Vietnam veterans who donated their work: Photos, Editing and Publishing. Many of the battles Jim was in are noted in Hill 65, accumulating with the battle for Hill 65.
The story is a riveting story of what it was like to be an Airborne Ranger in 1965 Vietnam.
A graduate of Kennett High School in Conway, New Hampshire, died March 19th 2014. He is survived by his wife Cynthia (Brothers) Thompson of Petoskey, Michigan, A daughter, Valerie Lynn Thompson of Daytona Beach, Florida and a granddaughter Meagan Janelle Whisker of Daytona Beach Florida.
James was born in North Conway, New Hampshire on December 28th 1945, to Rita Sawyer Thompson and George Edward Thompson. James was the youngest of five children. James served in Vietnam in the 503rd Airborne Infantry Unit and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was a decorated soldier with a Honorable discharge. He received the Bronze Medal with V for Valor for heroism during his tour of duty in Vietnam during 1964 – 1965. While with the 503rd, James participated in 29 combat in a single year.
James contributed his time at the Vietnam Memorial Wall by working in the vigil booths for several years to promote awareness of the POW and MIA soldiers.
At the time of his death James had finished a journal/manuscript he authored about his service in the Vietnam War. This became “Hill 65” and was published with the help of Jim’s wife Cynthia Thompson and several Vietnam veterans who donated their work: Photos, Editing and Publishing. Many of the battles Jim was in are noted in Hill 65, accumulating with the battle for Hill 65.
The story is a riveting story of what it was like to be an Airborne Ranger in 1965 Vietnam.
