Funeral services for Elgin H. Thompson, 97, of Lower Brule, SD will be 11:00 am Thursday, February 20, 2020 at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with burial in the St. Alban's Cemetery at Fort Hale, SD.  Visitation will begin Wednesday at 5:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the Hickey Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.

Elgin H. Thompson, 97, passed away at Avantara nursing home in Pierre, SD on Sunday morning, February 16, 2020.

A member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Sergeant Elgin Harrold Thompson was born to Harry W. Thompson and Mary "Mamie" DeSmet Thompson at Fort Lookout/Fort Hale Bottom, SD on October 20, 1922.

Elgin H. Thompson enlisted in the US Army on February 3, 1942 at Fort Snelling, MN, at the young age of nineteen. He attended basic training the same year at Camp Wolters near Mineral Wells, Texas. At home Elgin was a hunter and trapper, a country boy through and through, Elgin was a great marksman (and he'd add an excellent fighter) and he rose fast through the ranks because of these skills. He quickly attained the rank of Sergeant and served as a Squad Leader with the 19th Infantry Division, participating in campaigns in New Guinea, Southern Philippines and the Battle of Luzon. He received citations for extraordinary courage in battle time, he was wounded on February 15, 1945 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, and his awards include a Good Conduct Medal, Presidential unit citation, Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal with Three Bronze Service Stars & One Bronze Arrowhead, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory medal, Combat Infantryman badge, Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII), Republic of the Philippines Presidential unit citation (Foreign Award), and a Purple Heart.

He traveled to many places throughout his service including Hawaii – Pearl Harbor, Australia, New Guinea, Philippine Islands - Leyte, Luzon, Mindoro, and Mindanao. He liked to share that each of these countries had their own currency and when he was serving in them he would be paid in their currency, such as pounds, guilders, pesos, and marked American money in Hawaii.

Once receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army on August 29, 1945, Elgin returned home and earned a living through ranching/farming and other various jobs in construction, railroad, brick tending, masonry, and even rode in a few rodeos.

Elgin was one of the oldest WWII veterans left living, and was the oldest veteran of Kul Wicasa Oyate, recently celebrating his 97th birthday. He will be missed for his good humor, his willingness to share stories, as well as sharing his fondest memories of growing up in Fort Hale Bottom.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were blessed with a very large family that included eight sons and four daughters. Four of the eight sons served in the armed forces overseas during WWII. A local newspaper at the time recognized Elgin, Leroy, Harry, and Victor, not just for their heroics but also commended them for their voluntary service and not needing to be called to service, they all passed perfect examinations and were immediately taken into service. All the four brothers returned home.

Elgin was the first of his brothers to enlist with the other three following his lead not too long afterwards.

Elgin is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Mamie Thompson, all his brothers, Harry, Wilbert, Leroy, Clarence, Vernie, Melvin, and Victor, and all of his sisters, Gladys, Evelyn, Feanette, and Mary. With seven brothers and four sisters, Elgin is survived by numerous and beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, his "adopted" granddaughter Camie Quilt and many extended family members and friends.

Pall bearers include Todd Bolman, Enis Altamirano, Kim Thompson, Melvin Thompson Jr, Gary Ashley, Leroy Lewis Thompson, Sheldon Fletcher, and Kyle Thompson.

Honorary Pallbearers: Lawrence Thompson Sr. and his many friends and family from Lower Brule and Avantara in Pierre,SD.