Morgan Thompson was born June 24, 1950, in Perry County Kentucky to Emilee Joseph. Morgan had a sister named Juanita. He was a resident of the Boys Home in Jacksonville for a long time. He attended Terry Parker High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Morgan was excited at the opportunity of serving his country and joined the Army. After he completed basic training, he was assigned to Unit D Company, 2dn Battalion, 7th Cavalry , 1st Cavalry Division and was sent to Vietnam. Morgan was a Specialist Four Infantryman. Morgan served bravely in Vietnam from the start of his tour on October 01, 1968, until March 15, 1969, when he was killed by small arms fire. He died outright that day in the Long Khanh Province of South Vietnam. His body was recovered and sent back to the United States. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Jacksonville Florida with full military honors. The location of his grave is in Section 14 Lot 2247. I am proud to have counted Morgan as a friend. Morgan is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 29W, Row 50. He is at peace now and is forever remembered.

AWARDS
š National Defense Service Medal
š Combat Infantryman Badge
š Purple Heart
š Vietnam Campaign Medal
š Vietnam Service Medal

I went to high school with Morgan. Morgan had been living in the Boy's Home for a number of years. He had been talking for a couple of years about joining the Army as soon as he was old enough so he could get out of the Boy's Home. He joined the Army and came by school to show us his uniform. He had a smile from ear to ear! I will never forget how proud he looked in his dress uniform. He had just completed basic training and was on his way to Vietnam. A few short months later we got word that Morgan had been killed in combat. God bless you Morgan. You made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Freedom is not free. Through the sacrifices of many thousands of men and women like Morgan we have freedom. He was only 18! Cherish this freedom and never let it be taken away.