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 First Lieutenant (Infantry) Joe Carrillo, Jr. (ASN: 0-5338794), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Carrillo distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 8 May 1968, while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, 3d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Saigon, Vietnam. Upon arrival in the hostile area, Lieutenant Carrillo tactically directed his platoon against a dangerous enemy machine gun emplacement. As the first squad proceeded toward the dangerous Viet Cong bunker position, the squad leader was seriously wounded. Realizing the extreme danger the casualty was subject to, Lieutenant Carrillo courageously moved from his relatively secure position, through the fierce barrage of hostile fire, to the injured man’s position. When the insurgents saw an officer reach the casualty, they brought devastating fire upon the position, mortally wounding Lieutenant Carrillo. Lieutenant Carrillo’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.