Thompson, Neal F.

Neal F. Thompson entered the United States Army as a warrant officer candidate in August 1970, two months after graduation from high school. He completed flight school at Ft. Rucker, Alabama in November 1971 and served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot in Troop F, 8th US Cavalry, 1st Aviation Brigade. He logged nearly 600 hours of combat time and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (1 oak leaf cluster) and the Purple Heart. Following his discharge in 1974, he attended Triton Junior College in River Grove, Illinois, from which he graduated with high honors in 1976,...