The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Specialist Fourth Class John William Carper, Jr., United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company A, 588th Engineer Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Engineer Command, in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Carper distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1970 while serving as a guard on night perimeter defense at Katum, Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours of 3 July 1970, at 0130 hours, approximately thirteen enemy sappers penetrated the defensive perimeter at Katum and began throwing satchel charges and firing rocket propelled grenades and automatic rifles within the Company A, 588th Engineer Battalion area. Specialist Fourth Class Carper was at his guard post when the satchel charges began exploding and the immediately began bringing fire upon the enemy. Shortly after the attack began, Specialist Fourth Class Carper was wounded but continued to fire his weapon keeping the sappers from moving completely through the area, while continuing to bring fire upon the enemy. A rocket propelled grenade exploded only several feet from his position and he was killed instantly. Specialist Fourth Class Carper’s devotion to duty and courageous actions in combat are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.