Vietnam Medal of Honor Recipient. Served in the United States Marine Corps during the War in Vietnam as a Private First Class in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Rein), FMF. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery at the Quang Tri Province in the Republic of Vietnam on August 7, 1969. His citation reads "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as grenadier with Company H in connection with combat operations against the enemy. Pfc. Carter's unit was maneuvering against the enemy during Operation Idaho Canyon and came under a heavy volume of fire from a numerically superior hostile force. The lead element soon became separated from the main body of the squad by a brush fire. Pfc. Carter and his fellow marines were pinned down by vicious crossfire when, with complete disregard for his safety, he stood in full view of the North Vietnamese Army soldiers to deliver a devastating volume of fire at their positions. The accuracy and aggressiveness of his attack caused several enemy casualties and forced the remainder of the soldiers to retreat from the immediate area. Shouting directions to the marines around him, Pfc. Carter then commenced leading them from the path of the rapidly approaching brush fire when he observed a hostile grenade land between him and his companions. Fully aware of the probable consequences of his action but determined to protect the men following him, he unhesitatingly threw himself over the grenade, absorbing the full effects of its detonation with his body. Pfc. Carter's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country". His Medal of Honor was posthumously presented to his family at the White House by Vice President Spiro T. Agnew on September 9, 1971. His name can be found on the Washington, DC Viet Nam Memorial War on Panel 20W, Line 107.