SFC. Edward Allen Carter Jr
An American Hero - birthed with a fighting spirit, the wolverine of the 12th Armored Division.
The Man
Born May 26th, 1916 in Los Angeles, California, Sergeant First Class Edward Allen Carter Jr spoke 4 different languages, fought his first war in Shanghai China at age 15, and fought his second war by age 20 during the Spanish Civil War before fighting in World War II. Carter was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor, for his actions on March 23rd, 1945, in Germany. He was one of over 4000 black American volunteers who were selected to serve in a combat role and is the 12th Armored Division's only Medal of Honor recipient as of circa 2023.
Carter was the son of missionary parents; a black American father and an East Indian mother. He grew up in India before moving to Shanghai China and became fluent in 4 languages: English, Hindi, German, and Mandarin. He would eventually run away from home to join the National Revolutionary Army to fight against the invading Japanese during the “Shanghai Incident”. After reaching the rank of lieutenant he would be forced to leave after it was discovered that he lied about his age and was only 15 years old. He would eventually make his way to Spain and joined the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, an American volunteer unit that supported the Spanish Republicans against the nationalist during the Spanish Civil War.
Black American troops were established in the wake of the Battle of the Bulge during the winter of 1944–1945. Formed into provisional units, they were used to augment depleted divisions. Soldiers volunteering for this combat duty had to surrender their current rank. Carter decided to volunteer and went from Staff Sergeant to Private. On March 23rd, 1945, Carter was riding on a tank when it was hit by an enemy Panzerschreck (Anti-Tank Rocket). Carter quickly dismounted and led three soldiers across an open field. Two of the men were killed while the other was wounded. Carter continued alone and was wounded five times.
Eight German soldiers attempted to capture him. He killed six and captured the remaining two, using them as human shields from enemy fire as he re-crossed the field. His prisoners provided valuable information on enemy troop dispositions for his unit which awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross on October 4th, 1945, as well as a later promotion to Sergeant First Class.
The Medal of Honor was given to Carter's son, along with the descendants of the other five black Americans who received The medal of Honor in World War II, as well as the only still-living recipient, Vernon Baker, on January 12th, 1997. Out of the seven black American recipients, six had their Distinguished Service Crosses revoked and upgraded.
Quick Facts
Spoke 4 different languages, fought his first war in Shanghai China at age 15, and fought his second war by age 20 during the Spanish Civil War before fighting in World War II.
Was one of over 4000 black American volunteers who were selected to serve in a combat role and is the 12th Armored Division's only Medal of Honor recipient as of the year 2023.
Was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration for valor, for his actions on March 23, 1945, in Germany.
Sources
Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter". The California State Military Museum. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
Carter, A. G.; Allen, R. L. (2003). Honoring Sergeant Carter: redeeming a Black World War II hero's legacy. New York: Amistad. ISBN 9780066212364.
Kelly, S. H. (13 January 1997). "Seven WWII vets to receive Medals of Honor" (PDF). Army News Service. Retrieved 29 July 2019.