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 First Lieutenant (Armor) Bernard R. Carpenter (ASN: OF-103241), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 2 December 1966 while serving as a Platoon Leader assigned to Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, during a counter ambush operation, Lieutenant Carpenter was serving as Platoon Leader of the lead platoon in a relief column. As Lieutenant Carpenter’s armored vehicles entered the ambush site, they were assaulted by screaming, grenade-wielding Viet Cong. His track sustained three casualties almost immediately. Disregarding the intense enemy fire coming from all sides, Lieutenant Carpenter penetrated the ambush area three times, evacuating casualties, directing the fire of his elements, and assaulting the fanatical Viet Cong with his own vehicle. Repeatedly dismounting his track, he exposed himself to deadly fire in order to evacuate the wounded. As he led his platoon into the ambush zone for the fourth time, he observed a burning vehicle blocking his progress. Ignoring the undiminished enemy fire, he used his own track to remove it from the road, thus allowing the relief force to continue its mission. Lieutenant Carpenter’s personal bravery and leadership by example materially aided in the defeat of a numerically superior enemy force. His heroic actions during this encounter were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.