Wallace Dale Thompson
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Wallace Dale Thompson was born on 7/19/1924 and entered the Navy on June 5, 1943.
Mr. Thompson served as a Carpenter’s Mate Second Class in damage control aboard the destroyer USS Hopewell (DD 681), in the Pacific Theater.
“Bombarded islands for troop landings, then stood by to provide cover if help was needed, mine sweeping, rescue, escort duty. Awarded 12 bronze campaign stars (on Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal), Navy Commendation Medal with combat ‘V’.
"Ship received several hits during the engagement to recapture Corregidor Island and damaged enough to return to U.S. for repairs. After repairs, we returned to the Pacific till the end of the war. We were anchored near where the signing of the unconditional surrender was performed.”
Mr. Thompson was discharged in February 1946 and passed away on 2/11/2010 at the age of 85.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The Saint Louis County World War II Project, 322.
