The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Sergeant First Class Carroll Edward Flora, Jr. (ASN: RA-13664724), United States Army, for meritorious achievement in action against an armed enemy of the United States while detained as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia during the period 21 July 1967 to 5 March 1973. His ceaseless efforts, by a continuous showing of resistance to an enemy who ignored all international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, in the extremely adverse conditions of the communist prisons of Southeast Asia demonstrated his professional competence, unwavering devotion and loyalty to his country. Despite the harsh treatment through his long years of incarceration, this American continued to perform his duties in a clearly exceptional manner which reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Bronze Star Medal to Staff Sergeant Carroll Edward Flora, Jr. (ASN: RA-13664724), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with a hostile force. Sergeant Flora distinguished himself by heroic actions in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 21 July 1967, while serving as a Special Forces advisor to a Vietnamese Army reconnaissance team on a search mission deep in enemy controlled territory. Early in the evening, Sergeant Flora detected a Viet Cong patrol approaching his perimeter through the dense jungle. He was wounded in the ensuing attack, but refused aid and fought furiously to repel the assault. When his unit began to maneuver to break contact, he treated the wounded and encouraged them to move on, although seriously wounded himself. Unable to go any further, he courageously ordered his men to leave him behind in order to save themselves. His men refused to leave him, so he hastily formed a perimeter and called for evacuation helicopters. When the helicopters arrived, he ignored his own safety to ensure that all of his team members were lifted aboard before he seized the sling himself. As the aircraft rose out of the dangerous zone, he collapsed because of his wounds, and the closing night prevented any further rescue attempts. By his gallant actions, he made possible the rescue of all of his comrades. Staff Sergeant Flora’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.