Buffalo Don Thompson

On the morning of March 28, 2013, Sedona lost one of its most colorful luminaries and icons.

World famous Buffalo Don Thompson, war hero, businessman and owner of Buffalo Don Corral in Uptown Sedona passed peacefully in his sleep at his Sedona home.

He was 90 years young and a living legend to those fortunate enough to have met him and heard him speak of his service and the concepts of freedom and liberty.

Always impeccably dressed in his signature red hat, red jacket and Buffalo belt buckle, ready to engage anyone, visitor or local in conversation, he was a destination point in Sedona for those who appreciate the heroes gone before us that fought to preserve America.

Buffalo Don's heroics in World War II led to the capture of a German general and earned him three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and two Presidential Citations.

He was a member of the Army 551st Parachute Battalion, which was decimated in WWII with more than 97 percent casualties after the infamous Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, a key battle that set the stage for victory by the Allies in Central France.

His was the first U.S. parachute battalion to see war and on August 15, 1944 they were dropped 32 miles behind a 40,000 soldier strong enemy line in Belgium to engage the Nazis and gather intelligence. The drop itself proved disastrous for the American paratroopers as the gliders carrying their food and equipment collided in the sky.

It was there in the town of Draguignan that Buffalo Don, then a staff sergeant and platoon leader, and three other soldiers, captured German General Ludwig Bieringer.

The German general was transported to St. Tropaz where he was interrogated, providing valuable intelligence for the Allies. In addition, he surrendered 750 of his soldiers to the Americans.

Buffalo Don survived the fixed bayonet charge of Rochelinval, where American soldiers plunged into entrenched enemy machine gun nests, stabbing their way to victory in hand to hand combat.

Then came the Battle of the Bulge, one of the bloodiest WWII battles in Europe, where Buffalo Don sustained an injury he could not walk away from.

Returning to the states after the war he created a number of successful businesses that led to his eventual settling down in Sedona where he opened the ever popular Buffalo Don Corral with his beloved wife and business partner Lynn Thompson.

Almost until the day he died Buffalo Don was out there in front of his store dressed as only he can dress, greeting people and amazing them with his stories.

A true American hero has passed away and taken his place with the stars above where his memory will shine forever.