Medal of Honor: Edward A. Carter, Jr. – World War II – March 23, 1945
Wounded five times and alone in the open, he refused to yield. When enemy troops moved in to capture him, he turned the trap into their defeat.
April 17, 2026
Name: Edward A. Carter, Jr.
Rank: Staff Sergeant
Branch: U.S. Army
War: World War II
Unit: Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional)
Date of Action: March 23, 1945
Location: Near Speyer, Germany
Summary of Action
On 23 March 1945, Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. was riding on a tank during combat operations near Speyer, Germany, when it came under intense bazooka and small arms fire.
Voluntarily taking the initiative, Carter led a three-man group across an exposed field toward the enemy position.
Within a short time, two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded.
Left alone, Carter continued forward despite heavy fire. During the advance he was struck five times and finally forced to take cover.
Believing him helpless, eight enemy riflemen moved in to capture him.
Instead, Carter rose and fought back with ferocious determination, killing six of the attackers and capturing the remaining two.
Still wounded, he then forced the prisoners back across the field, using them as cover while returning to friendly lines.
From those prisoners, valuable intelligence was obtained regarding enemy troop dispositions.
His fearless determination, fighting spirit, and refusal to surrender embodied the highest traditions of the United States Army.
Medal of Honor Citation
For extraordinary heroism in action on 23 March 1945, near Speyer, Germany. When the tank on which he was riding received heavy bazooka and small arms fire, Sergeant Carter voluntarily attempted to lead a three-man group across an open field. Within a short time, two of his men were killed and the third seriously wounded. Continuing on alone, he was wounded five times and finally forced to take cover. As eight enemy riflemen attempted to capture him, Sergeant Carter killed six of them and captured the remaining two. He then crossed the field using as a shield his two prisoners from which he obtained valuable information concerning the disposition of enemy troops. Staff Sergeant Carter’s extraordinary heroism was an inspiration to the officers and men of the Seventh Army Infantry Company Number 1 (Provisional) and exemplify the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.
