The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Thomas Clark Carter (MCSN: 0-88603), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company B, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 September 1965, during Operation PIRANHA on the Ba Bang Na Peninsula, First Lieutenant Carter’s platoon engaged a large force of insurgent communist (Viet Cong) located in a fortified tunnel. Due to the restricted terrain, he deployed the bulk of his platoon away from the tunnel and then personally led one squad in an assault on the position. The Viet Cong rushed from the cave in a surprisingly large number and began breaking through a blocking force of four men at the entrance to the tunnel. With complete disregard for his own safety, First Lieutenant Carter rallied his outnumbered force and by his decisive actions and commanding presence, often fearlessly exposing himself to enemy fire, directed the fire of his men with such success that not one of the enemy escaped. As a result of First Lieutenant Carter’s aggressive leadership, seventeen Viet Cong were killed and an additional fifteen taken prisoner. By his initiative and courageous actions, First Lieutenant Carter upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.