Sergeant Edward Alan Carter Jr.: A World War II Medal of Honor Hero

Sergeant Edward Alan Carter Jr. was a distinguished member of the 12th Armored Division and the only member of his division to receive the Medal of Honor. Born in Los Angeles and raised in China, Carter possessed a fighting spirit from a young age, gaining military experience in Spain and China before joining the U.S. Army. Initially serving as a truck driver, he joined the infantry in 1944 after policies changed to allow Black soldiers into combat roles. During a mission in March 1945, Carter’s tank came under heavy fire. He volunteered to lead a reconnaissance group and continued the mission even after his team was incapacitated and he was wounded five times. He successfully captured two enemy soldiers who provided vital intelligence on troop movements. His valor was finally recognized in 1997 when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, cementing his place as an American hero.