Compton Valley is an ice-filled valley indenting the north side of Ford Massif

Ford Massif

Ford Massif is a broad, snow-topped massif 15 nautical miles long and 5 nautical miles wide, forming the major topographic landmark of northern Thiel Mountains. The massif rises to 2,810 m, is essentially flat, and terminates in steep rock cliffs in all but the southern side. Named by Advisory...

 between Reed Ridge

Reed Ridge

Reed Ridge is a flat-topped, snow-covered ridge extending northwest for 3 nautical miles from the west part of the Ford Massif, Thiel Mountains. The ridge forms the west wall of Compton Valley. Mapped by United States Geological Survey from surveys and U.S. Navy air photos, 1959-61. Named by...

 and Walker Spur

Walker Spur

Walker Spur is a notable rock spur forming the east side of Compton Valley in the north part of the Ford Massif, Thiel Mountains. The name was proposed by Peter Bermel and Arthur Ford, co-leaders of the United States Geological Survey Thiel Mountains party which surveyed these mountains in...

, in the Thiel Mountains

Thiel Mountains

The Thiel Mountains are an isolated, mainly snow-capped mountain range in Antarctica which are long. The mountains are located roughly between the Horlick Mountains and the Pensacola Mountains, and extend from Moulton Escarpment on the west to Nolan Pillar on the east. Major components include...

. It was surveyed by the United States Geological Survey

United States Geological Survey

The United States Geological Survey is a scientific agency of the United States government. The scientists of the USGS study the landscape of the United States, its natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten it. The organization has four major science disciplines, concerning biology,...

 Thiel Mountains party, 1960–61, and named by the Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names

Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names

The Advisory Committee on Antarctic Names is an advisory committee of the United States Board on Geographic Names responsible for recommending names for features in Antarctica...

 for Lieutenant Romuald P. Compton, U.S. Navy, who lost his life in the crash of a P2V Neptune aircraft soon after take-off from Wilkes Station

Wilkes Station

Wilkes Station was an Antarctic research station established 29 January 1957 by the United States as one of seven U.S. stations established for the International Geophysical Year program in Antarctica...

, November 9, 1961.