The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Sergeant Fred W. Carpenter (ASN: US-55885165), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, at Hoa Tan, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 March 1967. As Sergeant Carpenter and his company approached the village, heavy fire was received from Viet Cong positions. Realizing that his unit was in a precarious position, Sgt Carpenter immediately maneuvered his squad into position from which it could place effective fire on the enemy. Then with complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged forward and silenced a heavily fortified enemy bunker with two grenades. With this bunker eliminated, the platoon was able to maneuver once more. Throughout the entire encounter, Sgt Carpenter continued to direct his squad, personally positioning and directing the fire of individual members. His heroic actions and decisive leadership contributed to the accomplishment of the unit’s mission. Sergeant Carpenter’s outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.