Dale Dewayne Thompson was born April 12, 1932, in Norden, NE, to Mabel (Phillips) and Earl Thompson. He welcomed brother Gene in 1933 and sister Carol in 1936. The family made their home during his youth in Norden, Sparks, Ainsworth, & Valentine, NE, and Sundance, WY.

Dale and his brother, Gene, joined the Army together on March 21, 1950. At the young age of 18, Dale and his platoon were ambushed at Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. His fate remained unknown.  He was declared deceased as of December 2, 1950.

Dale's remains were identified November 28, 2022.  He was returned to Valentine and will be laid to rest with his parents on June 30th, 2023 (his mother's birthday) in Valentine, Nebraska at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Family left to welcome him home include: cousins Betty (Dick) Schroeder of North Platte, NE; Pat Mundorf of Lincoln, NE; Sharon (Jay) Strombaugh of Lexington, NE; Sally Nelson of Salt Lake City, UT; nieces Connie (Dan) Otterness of Vero Beach, FL; Gayle Henderson of Goddard, KS; Janice (David) Enright of Cape Coral, FL; Cathy Duncan of Valentine, NE; and numerous great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

Graveside service for Dale Dewayne Thompson age 18 will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. No visitation will be held.