The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Quartermaster First Class Terrel Elbert Carter (NSN: 4891342), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 15 January 1967, while serving with River Patrol Section FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE, during combat operations against insurgent communist forces along the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam. As Boat Captain of Patrol Boat River ONE HUNDRED THREE (PBR-103), on combat patrol seventeen miles west of My Tho, Petty Officer Carter was directly instrumental in the interdiction of a major enemy supply movement across the Nam Thon branch of the Mekong River. While investigating a suspected enemy crossing, and spotting two heavily-laden sampans, his patrol was subjected to intense automatic-weapons fire from enemy positions on the river banks. Petty Officer Carter successfully maneuvered his boat clear of the enemy fire while directing his crew in returning accurate machine gun fire. With the help of two other PBR’s the enemy sampans were destroyed. When one PBR developed a propulsion casualty and could not maneuver rapidly, Petty Officer Carter unhesitatingly maneuvered his boat back in position to lay down a heavy protective fire until the PBR reached safety. While performing this courageous act, Petty Officer Carter was mortally wounded. His boat accounted for three confirmed enemy dead and two confirmed enemy wounded. By his outstanding and inspiring leadership and valiant devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, Petty Officer Carter upheld the finest traditions of the United States Naval Service.