General Thompson began his military career in May, 1941 when he enlisted in the Georgia Air National Guard’s 128th Observation Squadron and in Januay 1942 he was awarded his combat pilot's wings. During the course of World War II, General Thompson flew anti-submarine missions in the Gulf of Mexico and South America and commanded the 12th Bomb Group in the China-Burma-India theatre.

Following the war, General Thompson commanded the 116th Fighter Group of the Air National Guard and later accepted an active duty appointment as United States Property and Fiscal Officer for Georgia. In 1963, he was released from active duty and assumed the position of Base Detachment Commander and Deputy Commander of the 116th Military Airlift Wing located at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. In 1971, General Thompson was confirmed by the Senate of the United States to the rank of Major General and transferred to Headquarters of the Georgia Air National Guard as Chief of Staff. In his capacity as Chief of Staff, he was the first line officer to have this rank in the history of the Georgia Air Guard. He maintained this position until his retirement on September 1973.

During his career, General Thompson flew 21 types of aircraft, and logged over 7,000 hours of flying time. He is the holder of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Meritorious Service Award (Air National Guard Bureau) among many other awards and honors. He also received certificates of Merit for contributions made while serving on the Air Reserve Forces Policy Council, Air Force Logistic Command, which he chaired, and the Air Reserve Policy Council, Military Airlift Command. He was a past president of the Air Force Association, North Georgia Chapter, and past president of the Georgia National Guard Association.

He was also honored in 1975, after his retirement, when the then new Operations and Training Building for the 116th Military Airlift Wing at Dobbins was dedicated to him for his leadership and commitment to the Georgia Air National Guard and contributions to his state and nation.

After retiring from his military career, General Thompson accepted a position with Tumpane & Company Worldwide Services as Vice President of Operations and Procurement. He retired in 1978. In the years after his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Guard Education Foundation, One Mass. Ave., NW, Washington, DC 2001.