1996-1997 Lieutenant Colonel William W. Thompson, U. S. Air Force, Retired
LtCol William W. Thompson, USAF, Ret., President 1997-1998
Lieutenant Colonel William W. Thompson’s military assignments (1945 – 1970) varied from such varied positions as instructor of Management in the ROTC Program at UCLA and the University of Arizona to Liaison Officer for the Commander In Chief (CINC), United States Armed Forces (USAF) Europe to the CINC, Group of Soviet Forces Germany, and subsequently as a VIP briefer on the Airborne Command Post.
The European assignment to the CINC of Soviet Forces, East Germany, led to the award of the Airman’s Medal for heroism, involving seven incursions into restricted areas in East Germany in attempts to save the lives of American aircrew who had been shot down by Russian fighters.
As the VIP briefer on the Airborne Command Post (1966 – 1969) Colonel Thompson briefed various important high level officials including two Presidents of the United States, Secretaries of State, Secretaries of Defense, and other military and civilian officials at the highest levels of the National command structure. His terminal assignment in the USAF was as Commander, 7499th Special Activities Group and as Senior USAF Intelligence Representative in Korea.
His assignment to the United States Military Liaison Mission to the CINC of the Group of Soviet Forces, East Germany was unusual for Col Thompson in that he did not speak Russian, a normal prerequisite. This assignment was also unique in that they personally carried out the collection of intelligence without resorting to the use of nationals of other countries. This guaranteed the accuracy and timeliness of the intelligence.
A number of “Firsts” resulted from these efforts. It provided the first photographs of the T-54 tank in an operational combat role, the first detail pictures of the T-76 tank, the first Fishbed aircraft, the first Fishbed “D” configuration, the first Fritter aircraft on the ground with full armament load, the first photos of Flashlight aircraft in a bomber configuration and virtually first photographs of every deployed soviet tactical aircraft radar.
Colonel Thompson’s decorations and awards include the Airman’s Medal for Heroism, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Defense Intelligence Agency Meritorious Service Medal, Korea; Berlin Occupation Medal; WWII Victory Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, American Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 OLC. He held many other Honors, Awards, and Affiliations such as: Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities – 1950, Distinguished Graduate Air Force Officer Candidate School – 1951, Who’s Who in Finance -1970, 1989-1982, and Investment Officer, Department of Arizona, American Legion and many others. He was a Life member of TROA now MOAA, Life Member of The Air Force Association, and Life Member of the VFW.
Colonel thompson was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in 2001.
