Pfc. Kenneth David Thompson, recipient of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was killed in the Quang Tri Provence of Vietnam on 11 April 1968, while serving with A Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division “First Team.”
Pfc. Kenneth D. Thompson is buried in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens. Pfc. Thompson’s names is listed on the Vietnam Honor Roll, at the Marion Veterans Memorial Park, on the west side of the Marion County Courthouse and is listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Panel 49E/026.

Pfc. Kenneth D. Thompson is also remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, at the Marion County Admin building at 222 West Center St. in Marion, Ohio.

From The Marion Star dated 4-17-1968

5th County Victim
Kenneth Thompson
Is Killed in Vietnam

Death came to Pfc. Kenneth David Thompson, 20, of Marion Thursday, only three weeks after his arrival in Vietnam. He was the fifth Marion County victim of Viet fighting.
The son of Mr. and Mrs. Everett K. Thompson of 1031 VanAtta Ave. was a member of Co A, 1st Bn., 1st Calvary Div. He entered service July 6, last year.
His parents learned Tuesday night he had been killed. The word was brought after another son, James W., had arrived home from a 7-month Vietnam tour of duty with the Marines. He is here awaiting notification of further assignment.
The family came to Marion in 1965 from Sandusky where Kenneth had attended high school. Before entering service, he had been employed by Tecumseh Products Co., then Sims Bros.
Born Nov. 2, 1947, he was a native of Ironton.
Survivors besides the parents and brother on leave are three other brothers, Donald R., Gerald W., and Roger D., and four sisters, Mrs. Janis Lee Furniss, Kathy D., Dorthy F. and Lorrie A., all at home.
Denzer Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements.