PUBLIC GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION MARCH 22, 2025Learn More
  • Plan your visit
    VISITTicket Packages and Offers
    VISITPlan a Group Visit
  • Explore All exhibits and events
    EVENTMission to Inspire Spectacular
    EXHIBITMoments of Action
  • Explore All Recipients Stories
    EXHIBITMore Than a Medal
  • Ways to Get Involved
    BECOME A MEMBEREnjoy Year-Round Free Admission
    PRESSROOMAwarding Seven New Medals of Honor
  • Museum Map
  • Contact
  • Search
U.S. Marine Corps
Carpenter, William Kyle

ConflictGlobal War on Terrorism (Afghanistan)
RankCorporal
Year Of Action2010
Unit/CommandCompany F, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-1, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward)
HometownFlowood, Mississippi

Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an Automatic Rifleman with Company F, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 1, 1st Marine Division (Forward), I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 21 November 2010. Lance Corporal Carpenter was a member of a platoon-sized coalition force, comprised of two reinforced Marine rifle squads partnered with an Afghan National Army squad. The platoon had established Patrol Base Dakota two days earlier in a small village in the Marjah District in order to disrupt enemy activity and provide security for the local Afghan population. Lance Corporal Carpenter and a fellow Marine were manning a rooftop security position on the perimeter of Patrol Base Dakota when the enemy initiated a daylight attack with hand grenades, one of which landed inside their sandbagged position. Without hesitation and with complete disregard for his own safety, Lance Corporal Carpenter moved toward the grenade in an attempt to shield his fellow Marine from the deadly blast. When the grenade detonated, his body absorbed the brunt of the blast, severely wounding him, but saving the life of his fellow Marine. By his undaunted courage, bold fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of almost certain death, Lance Corporal Carpenter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

Branch: U.S. Marine CorpsConflict: Global War on Terrorism (Afghanistan)Year of Action: 2010
More On William Kyle Carpenter (M)

Explore Fellow Recipients

See the recipients that share the same branch of service or conflict as William Kyle Carpenter (M)
Label

View all Recipients
The Medal

A Medal Steeped in History

Uncover the inspiring legacy, symbolism, and selection criteria of the Medal of Honor.


EXPLORE THE MEDAL
A Medal Steeped in History
Exhibits

THE RING OF VALOR

Step into the heart of the Museum and surround yourself with stories of courage and sacrifice.


VIEW EXHIBIT DETAILS
THE RING OF VALOR
Buy Tickets
Become a Member
Donate 
to the Museum