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 Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Leslie Dillon Carter, Jr. (ASN: 0-57270), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 21 June 1968. Lieutenant Colonel Carter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, on a combat operation in the Republic of Vietnam. During the early morning hours, Lieutenant Colonel Carter was directing the assault of Company B from his command and control helicopter on the village of Bao, La, Quang Dien District, Thua Thien Province. When the assault element passed several enemy bunkers without seeing them, Lieutenant Colonel Carter observed movement of enemy soldiers. He immediately realized the potential anger. A few yards to the north of these bunkers, the assault element received intense fire and was forced momentarily to halt the advance. This move placed the company command group in extreme danger, since they were directly in front of the enemy bunkers. With the assault element engaged with an enemy to their front, and the rear security too removed to be of immediate assistance, Lieutenant Colonel Carter landed his helicopter approximately fifty meters from the bunker and advanced on it. He exposed himself to fire both from the bunker and the enemy force to the front. He led the attack on the bunker, and quickly destroyed it, killing three Viet Cong. His bravery was a turning point int h e battle, both inspiring the men of the assault group, and eliminating a threat to the advancing troops. Lieutenant Colonel Carter’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.