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 Specialist Fourth Class Carl D. Earls, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Earls distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 1 October 1969, while serving as squad leader in Company A, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a night ambush in Quan Phuoc Binh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When the platoon began receiving heavy enemy mortar fire in their forward operations base, reacting without hesitation, Specialist Earls moved his men into their fighting positions and, despite bursting mortar rounds, effectively directed and prepared his men for a possible ground attack. When the mortar attack was followed by a fierce ground attack, Specialist Earls exhibited outstanding bravery as he moved his men to counter the new threat and direct them in laying down a heavy base of fire. As his platoon came under fire from an automatic weapon, Specialist Earls personally engaged the weapon and directed fire which eliminated it. When Specialist Earls’ platoon leader and medic were seriously wounded by an RPG, Specialist Earls acted with uncommon valor as he moved to their aid amidst a hail of bursting rounds. Applying first aid, Specialist Earls provided the immediate medical attention needed to save the lives of the two men. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.