Fallen Soldier: David John Paul Thompson

Army Captain David John Paul Thompson (39) was from Hooker, Oklahoma. He was commander of Operational Detachment Alpha 3334, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). CPT Thompson was killed on January 29, 2010 at Forward Operating Base Nunez, Afghanistan of injuries sustained while supporting combat in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

David Thompson enlisted in the Army in 1989. and attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He then went on to attend Advanced Individual Training. From 1999 to 2002, he served in the Guard and attended East Carolina University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Thompson’s military education consisted of the U.S. Army Airborne School, Ranger school, Free Fall Parachutist course, Basic Military Mountaineering course and the Chemical Officer Basic course. Among his military awards and decorations were the Bronze Star medal with "V" device; Army Commendation Medal (4); Army Achievement Medal (3); National Defense Service Medal (2); Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Medal among others.

CPT Thompson (often referred to as John Paul, or just JP) was remembered as a compassionate, understanding man with a heartwarming laugh who had wanted to be a soldier since he was a child.

Survived by his wife and two daughters, CPT Thompson’s girls are both Folds of Honor scholarship recipients.