The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, in action on 28 December 1963. While accompanying a Vietnamese heliborne parachute battalion on a military mission, Captain Carpenter demonstrated fortitude, perseverance, and professional skill. When the helicopter landed and the Vietnamese element was proceeding to its objective, it was suddenly subjected to intense small arms fire by hostile forces. As the unit faltered momentarily, Captain Carpenter bravely exposed himself to the danger and rallied the forces by taking the lead position and encouraging the unit to follow his rapid pace. Although he received a bullet wound through his right arm while in this dangerous position, he completely ignored his own wound and, when he spotted the insurgent who shot him, he successfully dislodged him from a hole and prevented further hostile action from materializing. He then repeated his dauntless actions by organizing the soldiers in the area at which time another bullet struck his radio and knocked him to the ground. Despite his own personal injury and the hazardous conditions, he continued his diligent efforts and inspired the troops to defend their homeland until he succeeded in contacting the Senior Battalion Advisor before accepting evacuation by helicopter. Captain Carpenter’s conspicuous gallantry and unselfish actions are in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the military service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant GeneralAction Date:
December 1984 – July 1992
Department of the Army, Permanent Order 78-3 (May 13, 1992)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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States during the period December 1984 to July 1992.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Major GeneralDivision:
10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry)Action Date:
December 1984 – April 1988
Department of the Army, Permanent Orders 59-1 (April 26, 1988)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, New York, during the period December 1984 to April 1988.
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Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Department of Defense Award Memo 92-057 (March 17, 1992)Under the provisions of Executive Order 11545, July 9, 1970, the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America take pleasure in awarding the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service contributing to national security and defense, in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Carpenter reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
2d Battalion (Airborne)Regiment:
502d Airborne Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
June 9 – 11, 1966
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4125 (August 14, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Captain Carpenter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 June 1966 to 11 June 1966 while serving as Commanding Officer of an infantry company engaged in a blocking mission near Tou Morong Outpost. As Captain Carpenter’s company advanced, the lead platoon suddenly received intense fire from an estimated two companies of Viet Cong. Captain Carpenter immediately deployed the company to continue its forward progress, but it soon became pinned down by extremely heavy hostile fire from three directions. After Captain Carpenter organized a hasty defense, it became apparent that the insurgent force was at least of battalion size. The insurgents launched a determined frontal attack and were successful in overrunning one platoon. Realizing the severe consequences if the enemy forces were able to penetrate the entire company area, Captain Carpenter ordered supporting jet aircraft to drop napalm directly on the company’s position. The napalm bombs hit the top of the trees in the center of the company position and detonated 25 feet above ground. As a result, the fiery napalm carried directly into the charging insurgents and passed over most of the friendly troops. The skillfully directed air strike completely subdued the Viet Cong attempt to overrun the company. As the insurgents withdrew, Captain Carpenter repeatedly exposed himself to the hostile fire to reorganize his command and direct supporting artillery fire. Throughout the remainder of the three-day battle and in the face of almost overwhelming odds, Captain Carpenter continued to direct and inspire the company to repulse three additional determined assaults by the enemy battalion. Through Captain Carpenter’s heroic actions and courageous tenacity, his company was spared numerous casualties and was able to withstand the repeated attacks of the Viet Cong battalion until reinforcements arrived. Captain Carpenter’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) William Stanley Carpenter, Jr. (ASN: 0-90703), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Secretary of the Army from 1976 to 1978.