PFC Leon Bernard Thompson

Our Hometown Heroes

Leon Bernard Thompson

Marine PFC Killed in Car Accident

Private First Class, Leon Bernard Thompson, United States Marine Corps, saw plenty of action in the Pacific Theater during World War 2. Born on July 29, 1924, Thompson wouldserve overseas in Guadalcanal and New Caledonia for seven months.

Returning back stateside, Pvt. Thompson was stationed at Oceanside, in Irvine, California. Sadly, Thompson would never return to his hometown alive. He was killed in a car accident while on duty in California on September 6, 1944. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.N. Thompson, as well as his three brothers, James E. Thompson, Doyle Mitchell Thompson and Robert Thompson and a sister, Gwendolyn Thompson, all of Griffin were notified of their son’s and brother’s death.

Thompson’s body was returned to his hometown of Griffin and is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery. Although Thompson did not return to his hometown alive, a grateful community will now honor the Hometown Hero. An individual plaque will be installed in Historic Downtown Griffin. The plaque is sponsored by Juanda and Ronnie Ponsell.