The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Charles A. Carpenter (MCSN: 525145), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, 9 May 1945. When his Platoon Leader and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers became casualties during an attack against a heavily defended hill, Corporal Carpenter immediately assumed command, reorganized the platoon under enemy fire, and led an assault against the hostile machine gun emplacement which had inflicted casualties upon his platoon, courageously continuing the attack until the objective had been reached. By his initiative, leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Carpenter contributed materially to the success of his platoon in seizing and holding the position, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.