The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant James B. Carpenter (ASN: 39287022), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company K, 3d Battalion, 242d Infantry Regiment, 42d Infantry Division, in action on 15 March 1945 near Althorn, France. During the attack upon the enemy positions near Althorn, France, Sergeant Carpenter became separated from his platoon but immediately joined another and participated in the assault. Discovering that all of the officers and non-commissioned officers of the platoon he joined had been killed or wounded, he immediately assumed command, re-organized the group and led them in the assault. While leading this attack, he was hit and seriously wounded. By his initiative, outstanding courage and leadership, Sergeant Carpenter played a major role in the successful assault.