#VeteranOfTheDay Alexander G. Thompson Jr.

Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Alexander G. Thompson. Alexander served during World War II from November 1943 to January 1946.

Alexander was drafted into the military when he was 28 years old. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a seaman first class. Upon completion of basic training at Manhattan Beach, he served aboard the USS Ingham around the United States and abroad in Tunisia, Panama, French Polynesia, China and the Philippines. Alexander was decorated with several medals including the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, the American Campaign, World War II Victory, the European-African-Mediterranean Campaign, Philippines Liberation.

Alexander was honorably discharged in January 1946 and later joined the Ingham Association to stay active in Veteran’s affairs. He lived out his days with his wife and children in Quonochontaug, Rhode Island. Alexander passed away in March 2006 surrounded by loved ones.

We honor your service, Alexander!

Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

Veterans History Project

This #VeteranOfTheDay profile was created with interviews submitted to the Veterans History Project. The project collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war Veterans so that future generations may hear directly from Veterans and better understand the realities of war. Find out more at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

Graphic by Julia Wang: Julia Wang is an Economics and History of Architecture Major with a Certificate in Civic Leadership at Rice University.