35th Infantry (Cacti) Regiment Association


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  SGT Fred W. Carpenter    In memory of our fallen brother

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother"



Bravo Company
1st Battalion
35th Infantry Regiment

Vietnam War


"Not For Fame or Reward
Not For Place or For Rank
But In Simple Obedience To
Duty as They Understood It"

National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal



The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SGT Fred W. Carpenter, who died in the service of his country on June 28th, 1967 in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Grenade Thrown-In Night Laager. At the time of his death Fred was 20 years of age. He was from Hobart, Indiana. Fred is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 22E, Line 76.

The decorations earned by SGT Fred W. Carpenter include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Parachute Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.


Fred is buried at Evergreen Cemetery on Old Ridge Road in Hobart, Indiana.

Fred was awarded the Silver Star for actions taken on March 6, 1967 at the battle of Hoa Tan. "As Sgt. Carpenter and his company approached the village, heavy fire was received from Viet Cong positions. Realizing that his unit was in a precarious position, Sgt Carpenter immediately maneuvered his squad into position from which it could place effective fire on the enemy. Then with complete disregard for his personal safety, he charged forward and silenced a heavily fortified enemy bunker with two grenades. With this bunker eliminated, the platoon was able to maneuver once more. Throughout the entire encounter, Sgt Carpenter continued to direct his squad; personally positioning and directing the fire of individual members. His heroic actions and decisive leadership contributed to the accomplishment of the units mission. Sgt. Carpenters outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army."