Sergeant Major James A. Thompson Jr Sergeant Major Thompson enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March 1983 and graduated from recruit training in May 1983. After boot camp, Sergeant Major Thompson reported to the infantry training school and underwent training to become an infantry rifleman, MOS 0311. After completion of infantry training school, Thompson reported to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. He held the billet of Corporal of the Guard until he was transferred in April 1985.
Then Sergeant Major Thompson reported to 2nd Marine Division 3rd Battalion 4th Marines and was meritoriously promoted to Corporal. While deployed on MAU SOC BLT 3rd Battalion 4th Marines, conducted operations off the coast of Libya. Sergeant Major Thompson was transferred to Sea School, MCRD San Diego. Upon completion of Sea School, Sergeant Major Thompson reported to the USS Holland and attended NCO School. In May 1989, Sergeant Major Thompson transferred to 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Recon Battalion and participated in Team Spirit in Korea and was a recon Platoon Sergeant. In June 1990, Thompson was transferred to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and rapidly deployed, participating in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Upon the unit’s return from Desert Storm in March 1991, Sergeant Major Thompson was redeployed to Kuwait in support of training the Kuwaiti Marine Corps and military personnel.
In July 1992, he attended the Infantry Platoon Sergeant’s Course. In August 1993, Sergeant Major Thompson deployed and conducted operations in Somalia. In 1994, Thompson was transferred to Parris Island as a Basic Warrior Training Instructor and promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In January 1997, he attended Drill Instructor School. Upon graduation, Thompson served with 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, where he held the billets of Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Series Gunnery Sergeant and was also promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.
After a successful tour on the drill field, Sergeant Major Thompson was transferred to 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. There he performed the duties as Platoon Commander of Weapons Platoon Bravo Company, Charlie Company Gunnery Sergeant and Company First Sergeant and was deployed to Okinawa Japan in June 2001. In September 2001, Thompson deployed from Okinawa to Guam for security operations in the aftermath of September 11th. He returned to the United States in December 2001.
Sergeant Major Thompson was selected to First Sergeant in March 2002 and transferred to Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. There he deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM while serving as the Sergeant Major of Troops aboard USS Portland until he arrived in Kuwait City and joined the rest of the battalion. Sergeant Major Thompson returned from IRAQI FREEDOM in June 2003 and was transferred to Marine Corps Detachment, Aberdeen Proving Grounds in July 2003 where he served as the Marine Corps Detachment First Sergeant.
Sergeant Major Thompson transferred from Aberdeen in March 2006 to VMFA-312, MCAS Beaufort SC where he served as the Squadron Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Thompson transferred to 14th Marine Regiment in March 2009 where he is currently serving as I&I Regimental Sergeant Major.
Sergeant Major Thompson’s personal decorations include the Bronze Star with combat “V”, Meritorious Service Medal in lieu of two gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat “V” in lieu of two gold stars and the Combat Action Ribbon in lieu of one gold star.