Second Lieutenant Carson, John H. USMC Bronze Star Medal The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Bronze Star Medal posthumously to Second Lieutenant John H. Carson United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following: CITATION "For heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company E, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division. On 6 April 1968, Second Lieutenant CARSON's platoon was the lead element of a helicopter-borne force consisting of another platoon and the company command post assigned to recover a Marine killed during a previous reconnaissance mission near Hill 190 in Quang Tri Province. Almost immediately upon landing, his platoon came under heavy mortar fire from entrenched North Vietnamese Army on the hill and emplacements in the surrounding terrain. Ignoring the danger to his life, he repeatedly exposed himself to exploding enemy rounds as he deployed his men to secure the landing zone for the arrival of the remainder of the force. He then skillfully maneuvered his men through the increasingly intense hostile mortar and artillery fire to reach and secure the crest of the hill. Completely disregarding his own safety, he personally supervised and assisted in carrying wounded Marines from the fire-swept slopes to the landing zone, returning each time across the hazardous area to direct the actions of his men on the hill top. When informed that both the company commander and executive officer had become casualties, he immediately assumed command, rapidly assessed the situation and established defensive positions. Organizing the command group to provide security, he then directed the movement of the platoons to the landing zone for retraction. Only after ensuring that all the casualties had been medically evacuated and the remainder of the company embarked did he board the last helicopter and depart the area. Second Lieutenant CARSON's courage, bold initiative and selfless devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service." The Combat "V" is authorized. For the President John J. HYLAND Admiral, U. S. Navy Commander in Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet