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 Specialist Fourth Class Timothy J. Carpenter (ASN: US-67075775), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fourth Class Carpenter distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 12 March 1968, while serving as a Machine Gunner with Troop L, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Giong Loc, Vietnam. As his platoon was proceeding to reinforce other elements of the squadron in heavy contact with the enemy, it suddenly was surrounded and attacked by two North Vietnamese Army companies. Eight men were wounded and one armored cavalry assault vehicle was disabled in the first few moments of contact. Completely disregarding his own safety, Specialist Carpenter immediately dismounted his vehicle and ran to the aid of his stricken comrades, skillfully hurling grenades into the enemy’s positions to provide cover for the medical aidmen who accompanied him. Specialist Carpenter personally moved the wounded men to cover, repeatedly exposing himself to hostile fire to cross the open area. He then remounted his armored personnel carrier for an assault on the enemy positions. During the advance, Specialist Carpenter suddenly noticed his regimental commander lying wounded a scant 35 meters from the insurgent lines. He immediately moved to his stricken commander and assisted in evacuating him to the helicopter landing zone, all the while providing highly accurate suppressive fire from his personal weapon. Specialist Fourth Class Carpenter’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.