James E. Thompson, Jr.

James E. Thompson Jr. (b. October 13, 1935) is a retired United States Army officer. He attained the rank of lieutenant general and was a commander of the 101st Airborne Division and First United States Army.

Early life
James Edward Thompson Jr. was born in Durham, North Carolina on October 13, 1935, and graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a bachelor of arts degree in education. While in college, Thompson completed the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, and at his graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry.

Military education
After receiving his commission, Thompson completed Infantry Officer Basic Course. His later military education included the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Air Command and Staff College, and United States Army War College. In addition, he received a master of arts degree in political science from Auburn University.

Early career
During the Vietnam War, Thompson commanded the 162nd Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) during the first half of 1968. Thompson’s later field grade officer assignments included: commander, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division; assistant chief of staff for operations, plans and training (G-3), 25th Infantry Division; director, military planning studies (European regions), Army War College; and commander, 3d Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

Career as general officer
After receiving promotion to brigadier general, Thompson's assignments included: assistant division commander (ADC) for support and ADC for operations, 101st Airborne Division, Kentucky; deputy director for plans and policy, United States Pacific Command; and deputy director for operations, readiness, and mobilization in the Office of the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3).

Thompson was assigned as commander of the 101st Airborne Division in August 1983, and he served until June 1985. From 1985 to 1987, Thompson was commandant of the Army War College.

In June 1987, Thompson was assigned as commander of First United States Army; he held this position until retiring in 1991.

Awards and decorations
Thompson’s major awards and decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal; Distinguished Flying Cross (with two oak leaf clusters); Soldier's Medal; Bronze Star Medal (with two Oak Leaf Clusters); Purple Heart; Air Medal (multiple awards); and Army Commendation Medal (with "V" Device for valor and oak leaf cluster). His qualification badges included: Master Army Aviator Badge; Parachutist Badge; and Air Assault Badge.

Family
He is married to the former Patricia Cofer and they have two children: James and Tamara.

In retirement, Thompson resided in St. Simons, Georgia.