Thompson, David

General (Retired) David D- Thompson

1981 Graduate

Following graduation from Ambridge Area High School, General Thompson attended the United States Air Force Academy.  He commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1985, serving over 38 years in the Air and Space Forces.

Thompson’s career included assignments as a rocket test engineer, satellite acquisition officer, Assistant Professor of Astronautics and Space Shuttle launch team member.  He commanded space operations units at the squadron, group and wing levels, deployed to Southwest Asia supporting the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and served in senior leadership positions at the Air Force Warfare Center, National Reconnaissance Office, Air Force Space Command, United States Strategic Command and Headquarters United States Space Force.

General Thompson finished his military career by playing a key role in the creation of the United States Space Force, the nation’s first new military branch in 73 years, and served as its first Vice Chief of Space Operations, the #2 military officer in that branch of service.  His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, National Reconnaissance Office Gold Medal for Excellence, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and Defense Distinguished Service Medal.

General Thompson earned a B.S. in astronautical engineering from the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), an M.S. in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University, and an M.S. in national security industrial policy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF). He is an Olmsted Scholar and graduate of Air Command and Staff College, Air War College and the Senior Acquisition Course of National Defense University.  Thompson is a distinguished graduate of USAFA and ICAF, and a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus of Purdue University.

After earning All District recognition in basketball and baseball at Ambridge, Thompson was a member of two National Championship boxing teams at Air Force, where he earned All American honors and was the 1985 National Collegiate Heavyweight Boxing Champion.