Honoring Sergeant Carter: Redeeming a Black World War II Hero's Legacy

I was really enlightened by this book. It was a very easy read and it opened a window on some previously unknown history.

Allene Carter uncovered the story of an unsung hero and retells it with passion in her book HONORING SERGEANT CARTER. Allene's phone rang one fateful day, and she was informed that her father-in-law, Eddie Carter, had been denied the Medal of Honor for his bravery in World War II. Eddie was originally awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest military honor, as no black men had been awarded the Medal of Honor during this war. This wrong was to be righted by the Clinton Administration, and Eddie and others would be revered for their service to their country.However, as Allene began rummaging through the remnants of the soldier's life, she discovered a lot more than she expected. It seemed her father-in-law had much more of a story to tell than Allene had ever imagined. Through her tireless efforts and extensive research, Allene Carter rectified the injustices committed against Eddie during his life.This book is much more than the casual recounting of a soldier's story. Instead, it is a glimpse into the world as it was for a black serviceman returning home from war in the 1940's. Though there are countless others who lived a similar experience, the personal aspect of knowing this soldier by name affords a much heavier impact. I applaud Allene Carter for discovering the truth and clearing the name of an innocent victim of a racist era.Reviewed by CandaceKof The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Honoring Sgt. Carter is a powerful, luminousand just tribute to a soldier who gave his all to his country,only to be dissed by it.The book written by Allene G. Carter and Robert Allen isemmensely readable. It covers Sgt. First Class Edward Carter's childhood as a missionary's kid in India and China, through his Army days when he served in the 12th Armored Division.Carter was wounded nine times fighting against the Germans( The Battle Of The Bulge) But still single handedly killed and captured several Germans, A Rambo like feat.Carter won The Purple Heart and the Distinguished Service Cross for his participation in the battle, but was denied The Medal Of Honor which Carter recieved over half a century later. Carter would go on to createBlack National Guard units in California. He achieved smashing success as he was an excellent teacher.A short but handsome man of African American, Anglo and Indian decent.Carter was powerfully built and ruggedly handsome. His uniforms were always neat and medals shiny. He was highly respected by his fellow soldiers and officers. Carter later went on to work as a Military Police Officer while stationed in Washington. During his life Carter was under surveillance by the Military Control Intelligence Corps and the F.B.I. who has suspected him ofsuborsive activity. Agents followed him constantly. In one chapter, Carterconfronts the agents only to see them drive off. Because of the Government's constant surveillance of Carter it was hard for him to find a decent job in civillain life. He worked several jobs. He made several attemptsto own his own business which netted him little success.As a result of his failure to find a decent civillain job Carter re-enlisted, hoping to make a career out of the military but his goal of being an Army liferwas cut short when he was denied the opportunity to re-enlist.Carter and Allen write a wonderful book which shows Carter as more than a war hero. Allene Carter's research of her Father-In -Law's battle to stay in the military and of his life is commendable. The prose flows effortlessly and is a pleasure to read. Carter's family life is portrayed adequately, one of his sons says while Sgt. Carter wasn't an affectionate man they knew he loved them. The relationship between SGT. Carter and his parents is portrayed as strained. Carter's mother dissapeared when he was a young boy and it affected him deeply, probably causing him to channel his anger and energy into his soldiering. Carter's relationship with his wife makes one believe true love can conquer all. Several letters between them are presented, showing the love, anguish and hope they shared as a military couple.Carter got his vindication, he was awarded The Medal Of Honor. He also recieved an apology from President Clinton and from the Army for the injustice they dealt to him.Carter's story is only one of many of Black soldiers who served their countrybut never got the props they deserved.REVIWED BY: ErrenMBC 2004

It is a good thing to serve one's country, but to be denied the chance to reenlist due to fear and ignorance is entirely another matter. SFC Edward Carter was a military man who wore his uniform and duty proudly. As a child of missionaries in India and later in China, where he first helped the Chinese with the Japanese, as well as served in the Spanish War's U.S. Abraham Lincoln Brigade, he exemplified that he was willing t fight for a country that didn't give him a full fair shake. In the closing days of WW2, he was involved in a attack of a small town,despite heavy losses from his unit and even though he was injured himself, he wouldn't leave the scene until the job was done. Although his superiors felt that he deserved the Congressional Medal of Honor, they felt at that time, that due to his color, it would be denied which was rightly so. After the war, he reenlisted and helped to establish a California National Guard base in Los Angeles, and later served at Fort Lewis, Washington, where, he was cited for being an excellent soldier. Despite of his glowing records, he was denied reenlistment and no reason was never given. He appealled constantly for years, but to no avail, and he died in 1963 without justice being served to him. In 1997, after checking on conditions of African American soldiers in WW2, he was finally honored to received the Congressional Medal of Honor. His daughter in law, Allene, who wrote this book,also started to checking into his military and other files to see why he was denied reenlistment, which ended up into a full apology by the Army and President Clinton, as well as coverage in the media. It is an excellent book and highly recommended.

Honoring Sergeant Carter uncovers an important yet esoteric chapter in American WWII history and gives balance to The Greatest Generation. You may only come across a book as fine as this once or twice in a lifetime. If your budget allows only one book - this is the one. It is "intellectually honest," informative, passionate, and if you don't have ice water running through your veins, you will feel it! While reading I reminisced of my late father who served in very close proximity with Sergeant Carter during and after WWII. They never knew each other. My father saw Sergeant Carter after the war - how could he miss him - the sharp and deadly soldier that Carter was described to be and one of the very few African Americans holding the Distinguished Service Cross. My father understood all too well what happened to many good men during this era. I look back on living in Germany as a youngster during the Cold War with my avid interest in WWII. I explored bunkers and shopped flea markets searching for relics. Most had the dreaded swastika on it. My father observed my hobby and explained to me in great detail how it was dangerous and in bad taste, but I could keep the collection. He then told me in no uncertain terms: "If you come across anything with a Communist marking on it ......etc, etc, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME SON!!!" I shook my head yes - I was speechless. Honoring Sergeant Carter provided clearer understanding of why I couldn't speak that day.Sergeant First Class Edward A. Carter, Jr., affectionately known as Eddie, was one of the seven African American soldiers honored at the White House with the Medal of Honor. This long overdue tribute (over 50 years) took place on January 13, 1997. When you read Eddie's story - that is backed with strong research and solid documentation - you will see how fact (in this situation) is stranger than fiction. A must read for WWII historians and buffs who are sincerely interested in balancing their understanding of WWII. Honoring Sergeant Carter is a great companion book that will complement Tom Brokaw's The Greatest Generation.