Ship’s Cook 1st Class Clarence Thompson, a native of New Orleans, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, will be honored with a burial ceremony at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, located at 34888 Grantham College Drive in Slidell, Louisiana. The solemn event is scheduled to take place on August 25 at 11 AM, paying tribute to his distinguished service and dedication to his country.
Thompson, born on Oct. 22, 1894, in New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in his hometown on July 27, 1917. He served with distinction, rising through the ranks to attain the position of Ship’s Cook 1st Class (SC1c). As a member of the Commissary Branch, Ships Cooks, Thompson played a vital role in supervising and preparing food for enlisted personnel, expertly operating cooking apparatus, inspecting provisions, planning menus, and managing food storage.
Throughout his career, Thompson achieved several promotions, showcasing his commitment and expertise. He was promoted to Mess Attendant 3rd Class upon enlistment, further advancing to Matt 2nd Class on April 1, 1918, Matt 1st Class on July 1, 1919, Ship’s Cook 3rd Class on September 1, 1919, SC2c on March 19, 1926, and ultimately reaching the rank of Ship’s Cook 1st Class on June 9, 1928.
Notably, Thompson’s dedication was acknowledged by a request submitted on July 17, 1941, seeking a waiver of the customary service school requirement. This waiver would have allowed Thompson to undertake an exam for an acting appointment as Chief Commissary Steward (CCStd), a testament to his 23 years and seven months of exemplary service. While this request was authorized by Admiral Chester Nimitz on August 14, 1941, unfortunately, the scheduled exam was pending when the tragic events of December 7 unfolded.
Thompson’s service stations were marked by his commitment and contribution. Notably, he served aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB 37) from June 16, 1935, and was also stationed on vessels including the USS Koka (AT 31), USS Langley (CV 1), and USS Bridge (AF 1), as well as at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the USS Rueben James (DD 245). His dedicated service earned him a collection of awards and decorations, including the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal (Fleet Clasp), Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (Bronze Star), World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Second Nicaraguan Campaign Medal, and World War I Victory Medal (Mine-Sweeping Clasp).
The burial ceremony for Ship’s Cook 1st Class Clarence Thompson stands as a poignant reminder of his sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty. Friends, family, and fellow Americans will gather at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery to pay their respects and honor his legacy.
For more information, please contact Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs.