The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Paul Robert Carmean, Jr. (MCSN: 2136365), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as an Aircraft Crash, Fire and Rescue Man with Sub Unit One, Marine Air Base Squadron THIRTY-SIX (MABS-36), Marine Aircraft Group Thirty-Six, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with military operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the afternoon of 17 March 1968, the Khe Sanh Combat Base came under intense North Vietnamese artillery fire and an ammunition storage area received a direct hit which ignited a fire. Reacting instantly, Corporal Carmean unhesitatingly maneuvered his crash vehicle across the fire-swept terrain to the site. As he approached the storage area, a large secondary explosion occurred. Undaunted by the explosion, Corporal Carmean continued to the location and upon arriving at the site, the vehicle’s engine began to malfunction because of extensive battle damage sustained from the enemy fire. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Corporal Carmean resolutely remained in the vehicle and, ignoring the enemy fire impacting around him, steadfastly kept the vehicle’s engine and pumps operating, while simultaneously directing the fire fighting effort. Although several additional secondary explosions occurred, he continued his resolute efforts and was instrumental in extinguishing the fire. His heroic and timely actions prevented numerous nearby personnel from being seriously injured and detonation of large quantities of ammunition. By his courage, calm presence of mind under fire and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger, Corporal Carmean inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.