The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lance Corporal Carl Ellis Jenkins (MCSN: 2091760), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company C, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 8 September 1965, Lance Corporal Jenkins was engaged in a company patrol against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the area of An Hai (1). During the patrol, his company was taken under intense enemy fire. When his company gained fire superiority, seven of the guerrillas were forced to take refuge in a nearby cave. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Lance Corporal Jenkins pursued the enemy into the cave. After killing one Viet Cong with his rifle, he continued to assault the enemy and killed five more and wounded the other by throwing grenades. Overcome by lack of oxygen as a result of the explosion of the grenades, he was recovered in a semi-conscious state by other members of his company. By his courageous actions and inspiring devotion to duty in the face of great personal risk, Lance Corporal Jenkins upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.