“Forever Loved, Never Forgotten”
The Navy Gold Star Program is eternally grateful for the sacrifice of those Service Members who have died in service to our country. To help us to never forget, we have set up this tribute page to honor and remember the memory of those lives. If you would like to honor the memory of your Sailor, Soldier, Marine, Airman or Coast Guardsman through the Navy Gold Star website please submit your thoughts and a photo.
My grandfather, AE1 Melvin Carl Thompson served 14 years in the US Navy from 1953-1968. He was born on May 24th, 1935 in Colquitt, Miller County, Georgia. He was stationed at NAS Jacksonville, Pensacola and Brunswick, ME during his marriage to my grandmother. They had 4 children during his time. He was killed during his final flight on Feb 6, 1968 doing recon work over the Gulf of Siam. He was onboard the USS Taluga AO-62 and the USS Burton Island AGB-1 (Blue Nose Arctic Circle). At the tragic age of 32 he was flying when the P3 (BUNO 153440) crashed into the ocean, killing all crew-members, during a Market Time Patrol over the Gulf of Siam. He left a widow and four children and his parents, sisters, brothers and grandkids. Gone but never forgotten. Fair winds and following seas for all those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.