CARPENTER, RALPH R. JR. US 54824974 (341-38-8293) SPECIALIST FOUR United States Army Co D, 3rd Bn, 12th Inf, 4th Inf Div, APO 96265
Awarded: Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device
Date action: 2 November 1968
Theater: Republic of Vietnam
Reason: For heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the republic of Vietnam, Specialist Four Carpenter distinguished himself while serving as a radio-telephone operator with company D, 3rd Battalion 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. On 2 November 1968 Company D was conducting combat operations in an area west of Dak To approximately nine kilometers from the Cambodian border. As Specialist Carpenter’s company was moving up the slope it was taken under intense automatic weapons fire from enemy soldiers in well- concealed trenches near the crest of the hill. The second platoon in which Specialist Carpenter was the chief radio-telephone operator was behind the first and third platoons when initial enemy contact was made. As his platoon maneuvered to the right flank of the company’s lead element, Specialist Carpenter continually exposed himself to the enemy fire in order to remain close to his platoon leader and provide vitally needed communication. As the platoon continued to move up the slope under the deadly accurate fire, one of the men fell wounded; fully exposed to the continuous hail of enemy fire Specialist Carpenter unhesitatingly moved from his relatively secure position to the aid of his comrade. Despite the weight of his radio he managed to carry the wounded man to shelter and then administer medical aid. As Specialist Carpenter moved to rejoin his platoon leader, he was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. Specialist’s Carpenter’s exceptional courage, agressiveness and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Authority: by direction of the President under the provisions of executive order 11046, 24 August 1962