The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Wallace Maurice Carter (MCSN: 1526745), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company G, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam on 19 December 1966. During a search and destroy mission near DaNang, the lead platoon of a two-platoon patrol came under attack from a Viet Cong force estimated to be between 50 and 100, as it crossed a bridge over a flooded stream and was preparing to enter the village of Thon Bon (1). The platoon immediately sustained several casualties and was unable to maneuver because of the intense enemy fire. At the same time, Staff Sergeant Carter’s platoon, acting as the rear guard, began receiving small arms and mortar fire from the left and rear of its platoon. With complete disregard for his own safety, Staff Sergeant Carter unhesitatingly led his platoon in a spirited charge across the bridge in order to reinforce the point platoon. Despite the intense automatic weapons, machine gun and small arms fire, he moved forward, shouting encouragement and skillfully directing the efforts of the members of his platoon. As they advanced, he courageously exposed himself to the fire, to position his men beside the rear elements of the point platoon. Quickly establishing a base of fire, his unit enabled the members of the lead platoon to maneuver toward the enemy position, forcing the Viet Cong to withdraw. The point platoon subsequently advanced into the village in pursuit of the enemy. Although darkness precluded a thorough search of the area, one enemy body was found, and it was later determined that an estimated seven Viet Cong had been wounded. Staff Sergeant Carter’s heroic actions and aggressive leadership abilities undoubtedly prevented further casualties to the platoons and contributed immeasurable to the successful defeat of the enemy. By his exceptional professional competence, fearless leadership and devotion to duty Staff Sergeant Carter reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.