The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Cecil L. Carpenter, United States Navy, for gallantry in action while serving as a Medical Corpsman attacked to the FIRST Marine Division, in action at Guadalcanal, in September 1942. In the face of devastating Japanese fire. Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class Carpenter bravely administered first aid to his wounded comrades, many of whom were killed as he tended them. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.