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 with Combat “V” to Specialist Fifth Class [then Specialist Fourth Class] William W. Karp (ASN: US-54509640), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Karp distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 6 May 1968 while serving as a Corpsman in Company A, 3d Battalion, 21st Infantry. On that date, his company was conducting a combat operation in the Quang Tri Province when they came upon a small village. As they approached this village, they suddenly came under intense automatic weapons, artillery, mortar and small arms fire from an enemy force of undetermined size located in well-concealed bunkers. Immediately, Specialist Karp moved into a defensive position and helped set up a devastating base of fire to enable the rest of his company to reach cover. Although several of his comrades fell wounded, Specialist Fifth Class Karp continually exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to secure a pickup zone for dust-off helicopters. Specialist Fifth Class Karp’s personal bravery and unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers 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.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class William W. Karp (ASN: US-54509640), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force. Private First Class Karp distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 9 January 1968 in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as platoon medic. On that date, his and another platoon were conducting a search and destroy mission in the Que Son Valley. As they were crossing an open rice paddy, they came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire, which immediately wounded several of the men. Private Karp, disregarding his own safety, moved from his position to render aid to the wounded. When they were given the order to withdraw to the wooded area behind them, Private Karp assisted in the reorganization of the men from his platoon. During the withdrawal, Private Karp along with several other men were separated from the rest of the element and on several occasions he exposed himself to hostile fire in order to guide the group back to safety. He killed one enemy soldier who had discovered their group and had started to fire on them. Upon returning to the friendly lines, he immediately resumed his duties of caring for the wounded. Private First Class Karp’s professional competence and concern for the lives of his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.