[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 173 (Friday, November 20, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11881]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

               REMEMBERING SERGEANT WINFIELD THOMPSON SR.

 Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I wish today to recognize the life 
of SGT Winfield Thompson Sr., an honored member of the Sisseton-
Wahpeton Oyate. When this war hero and South Dakota native passed away 
November 6, 2009, our State lost a respected tribal member and a 
wonderful citizen who served as an inspiration to us all.
  After entering the U.S. Army in April 1941, SGT Winfield Thompson Sr. 
was captured by Japanese forces in the Philippines on April 9, 1942. He 
was forced to march 90 miles over rough terrain with little food and 
water along with thousands of captured soldiers in what is today known 
as the Bataan Death March. After his capture, Sergeant Thompson was 
held at various prison camps and suffered horrible conditions until he 
was finally liberated in September 1945. Upon his rescue, he stood at 
attention, saluted, and said, ``Sergeant Thompson reporting to duty, 
Sir.'' During Sergeant Thompson's extraordinary military career, he was 
awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, American Defense Service ribbon with 
Bronze Star, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three 
bronze battle stars, Philippine Defense Ribbon, eight Overseas Service 
Bars, one Service Stripe and the Good Conduct Medal.
  After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in May 1946, 
Sergeant Thompson returned home and married Virginia Redday. Winfield 
and Virginia were blessed with 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 29 
great-grandchildren. Winfield was preceded in death by his wife.
  SGT Winfield Thompson Sr. embodied South Dakota values with his 
unwavering devotion to family and country, and I extend my deepest 
sympathies to his family on the loss of this great man.

                          ____________________