The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John Wilson Carpenter, III (ASN: 0-21790), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations over New Guinea, in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, on 24 June 1942. Captain Carpenter was preparing his Flying Fortress to take off for a raid Rabaul when the warning of a Japanese air attack sounded. Although the plane was loaded, and with explosive incendiary bombs landing around him on the runway, Captain Carpenter made a dangerous takeoff. He flew by instruments over the mountains and bombed ground installations at an enemy airfield on New Britain, causing heavy damage. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Carpenter, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John Wilson Carpenter, III (ASN: 0-21790), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. Captain Carpenter was Squadron Leader of a flight of planes which participated in the mass daylight attack on Vunakanau Airdrome at Rabaul, New Britain Island. He displayed skillful leadership in retaining complete control of the squadron planes throughout the bombing run and in subsequent withdrawal from the target. His example of daring courage in the face of heavy fire was an inspiration to his pilots and crews. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Carpenter, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) John Wilson Carpenter, III (ASN: 0-21790), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber of the 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1942. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Carpenter, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.