George Sherman Tompkins Jr. was born on April 13, 1925, in Bellfountain, Benton County, Oregon. He was the son of George Sherman Tompkins Sr. and Lora Olive Miller Tompkins. He attended grade school in Bellfountain and later graduated from Monroe Union High School in June 1943. In August of that year, he entered military service and was deployed overseas in September 1944. He served in the 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, as a Private First Class during World War II.

On April 3, 1945, though mortally wounded during combat, he refused medical treatment. He continued firing upon enemy forces, enabling his comrades, who were under heavy pressure, to withdraw, reorganize, and successfully retake lost ground. He was killed in action that same day. He is now buried in the West Lawn Memorial Park, Eugene, Lane County, Oregon, USA. The Tompkins Barracks in Schwetzingen, named in honor of PFC Tompkins. Due to the restructuring of the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe, the U.S. Army returned the barracks to German control in 2013.

Silver Star Citation:
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes Pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class George S. Tompkins, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with Company G, 397th Infantry Regiment, 100th Infantry Division, in action at Helibronn, Germany, during World War II. Private First Class Tompkins’ gallant actions and selfless devotion to duty, without regard for his own safety, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, www.honorstates.org, valor.militarytimes.com