On July 9, 1963, Thompson was nominated by President
John F. Kennedy to a seat on the
United States District Court for the District of Nevada vacated by Judge
John Rolly Ross. Thompson was confirmed by the
United States Senate on August 6, 1963, and received his commission on August 16, 1963. He assumed
senior status on August 31, 1978, serving in that capacity until his death on February 10, 1992. ==Honor==