The Story of Abe Thompson

I am the proud daughter of Abe Thompson; he was part of the Greatest Generation, and I would like to share with you my Dad's story.

He was from a family of immigrants, starting with his father, who was part of the great migration from Eastern Europe to arrive at Ellis Island in 1907. His mother, also from Russia, died in the influenza epidemic of 1918.

During World War II, my Dad enlisted early on in the Army Air Corps to fight for his country. He served as a navigator with the 456th bomb group, 747th Squadron. In July 1944, on his 50th mission, his group was shot down over Friedrichshafen, Germany. Before the plane crashed, the crew managed to glide their plane across Lake Constance. My Dad and the others parachuted into Switzerland where they were "interred" by the Swiss. After being held hostage in Switzerland for 73 days, he escaped over the Alps so that he could rejoin the American Forces. He returned to active duty until the end of World War II, ferrying air crews overseas to all parts of the world.

My Dad was promoted twice in the field to captain. He earned six air medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and two presidential commendations for courage.

Following the war, my Dad was a successful businessman, owning numerous supermarkets and other small businesses in the New York area. He was a community activist, ran for local public office numerous times, and chaired countless organizations. My Dad went back to college in his senior years. He graduated from Suffolk Community College, the State University of New York at Old Westbury, and went on to graduate from Hofstra University School of Law - all within five and a half years. It was with great pride that I had the honor of attending my Dad's law school graduation. In honor of his many contributions to the community and country, when he passed away, his local congressman had an American Flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

My Dad was always proud to be an American. He flew an American flag every day until the day he died. He was my role model, so I too fly an American flag every day. Without question, Abe Thompson was part of the Greatest Generation. It is only fitting that we honor all of them on America’s birthday.