The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Medal to Warrant Officer William A. Carpenter, United States Navy, for heroism while serving as Fire Marshall on board U.S.S. JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), on 22 November 1975 following the collision of U.S.S. BELKNAP (CG-26) and KENNEDY in the Ionian Sea. Immediately following the collision and ensuing fires, Warrant Officer Carpenter, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, aggressively responded to the emergency and displayed courageous initiative in directing fire fighting and lifesaving efforts in areas of intense heat and smoke. With fires still raging uncontrolled, he displayed a fearless lack of concern for his own personal well-being and personally led many of his disoriented shipmates to safe areas. Warrant Officer Carpenter’s professional expertise and exceptional knowledge contributed greatly to the fire fighting and damage control efforts. His superb organizational ability and extraordinary personal example inspired maximum effort from those on the scene. Warrant Officer Carpenter’s astute leadership, prompt actions, and selfless devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.