Max Thompson (Medal of Honor)

Max Thompson (July 21, 1922 – November 30, 1996) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II.

Born in the community of Bethel in Haywood County, North Carolina, Thompson joined the Army from Prescott, Arizona on 18 November 1942. By October 18, 1944, he was serving in Europe as a sergeant in Company K, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. During a battle on that day, near Haaren, Germany, he single-handedly attacked the German forces on several occasions. For his actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor eight months later, on June 18, 1945. He was one of two people from Haywood County, North Carolina, to receive the medal in World War II, the other being William D. Halyburton, Jr.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Thompson received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Presidential Unit Citation with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, the European–African–Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (with five service stars and bronze arrowhead device) and, from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), the Order of Glory Third Class. He attained the rank of Technical Sergeant before leaving the Army.

After his military service, Thompson worked in Canton, North Carolina, for Champion International Paper's inspection department. He died at age 74 on November 30, 1996, and was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Enka, North Carolina. A road in near Canton was renamed in his honor.