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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Field Artillery) John Carl Crenshaw, United States Army, for gallantry in action against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Crehshaw distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 24 May 1969 while serving as a Forward Artillery Observer with Company A, 2d Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade (Light), 23d Infantry Division (Americal). On that date, the company was conducting routine operations near Nui Yon when it came under intense mortar, rocket propelled grenade, and automatic weapons fire from a concealed enemy firce. In the initial contact, the point man and a platoon leader were wounded, and the main body of the element was pinned down under a heavy volume of fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Second Lieutenant Crenshaw rushed to the aid of his wounded comrades. Upon finding that the point man had been mortally wounded, Second Lieutenant Crewnshaw maneuved to the injured platoon leader and carried him across 40 meters of open terrain to a cover position. With the aid of the other members of the platoon, Second Lieutenant Crenshaw then assisted in moving the wounded soldier an additional 100 meters to safety. Throughout this time, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire. His courageous actions were directly responsible for saving the life of his comrade. Second Lieutenant Crenshaw’s personal heroism, professional compentence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Americal Division, and the United States Army.