AMERICAN HISTORICAL

James Thompson had a troubled youth and at one point found himself before a judge awaiting sentencing. In lieu of jail time Thompson's mother convinced the judge to allow James to enlist in the United States Army.

Thompson would find himself part of the 24th Infantry Regiment, a unit primarily made up of African American soldiers, nicknamed 'Buffalo Soldiers'. In late June 1950, soon after North Korea invaded South Korea, the 24th deployed to Korea to assist in the Korean War.

In March of 1951, while crossing the Han River, Thompson would be wounded by an explosion ending his combat in Korea. For his actions Thompson would be awarded the Purple Heart.

Interview recorded on November 9, 2024
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