Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    December 2, 1966

    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 516 (April 4, 1967)

    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.

  • Bronze Star Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    February 27, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962, takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to First Lieutenant (Armor) Bernard R. Carpenter (ASN: OF-103241), United States Army, for heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 26 February 1967 while serving with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Republic of Vietnam, On this date. Lieutenant Carpenter was in command of the Reconnaissance Platoon with the mission of reinforcing a sister platoon which had encountered fierce enemy resistance. The engaged platoon had dismounted to probe a dense jungle area, laced with numerous small trails. Without warning, the unit was assaulted by Viet Cong fire, mortally wounding one soldier and making it extremely difficult for the dismounted forces to maneuver and effectively return the fire. Upon arrival at the scene. Lieutenant Carpenter dismounted from the safety of his assault vehicle to personally establish contact with the beleaguered forces before returning to lead his platoon into perimeter positions. The arrival of Lieutenant Carpenter’s platoon caused the Viet Cong forces to withdraw. When all troops were accounted for and injured personnel were evacuated Lieutenant Carpenter led his platoon in pursuit. It was at this time that the lead vehicle was struck by an anti-tank round, instantly killing the vehicle commander. An anti – personnel mine wounded the two machine gunners. Without regard for his personal safety, Lieutenant Carpenter moved forward, protecting the stricken armored cavalry assault vehicle with his own vehicle until it could be moved to a more secure position. Raked by intense enemy fire, he forced his way through a thick jungle bypass to a position where he could effectively engage the attacking force. His immediate reaction was solely responsible for saving the crew from further injury. First Lieutenant Carpenter’s bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect s great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.