Joseph Thompson Jr. (1919–2012) was a decorated World War II pilot from Tennessee, who later in life became active in Nashville civic affairs. Nicknamed "Tiger Joe", Major Thompson flew 90 combat missions in 1944 for the Allied forces in Europe, most behind German lines, performing aerial reconnaissance. He received the Croix de Guerre from France and the Distinguished Flying Cross from the US for his role in liberating France from Nazi Germany. Thompson was awarded France's highest honor, the Legion of Honor on March 15, 2012, shortly before his death on March 24, 2012.