Ty Michael Carter
U.S. Army/Afghanistan
T
M ichael C arter was born
in Spokane, Washington, in
January 1980, and enlisted
in the Marine Corps after graduating
from high school in 1998. He was
discharged honorably in 2002, went
to college and again enlisted in the
military, this time in the U.S. Army, on
Jan. 3, 2008, and was twice deployed
to Afghanistan. He was awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor
on Aug. 26, 2013, for conspicuous
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of
his life.
While he was serving as a scout
with during combat operations against
an armed enemy in Kamdesh District,
Nuristan Province, Afghanistan on
Oct. 3, 2009, Carter and his comrades
awakened that morning to an attack
of an estimated 300 enemy fighters
occupying the high ground on all four
sides of Combat Outpost Keating,
according to his medal citation. Carter
reinforced a forward battle position,
ran twice through a 100-yard gauntlet
of enemy fire to resupply ammunition
and voluntarily stayed there to defend
the isolated position.
Armed with only an M4 carbine
rifle, Carter fired accurately on the
enemy with deadly effect, beating back
the assault force and preventing the
position from being overrun, over the
course of several hours. Disregarding
his wounds, he ran through a hail of
enemy rocket-propelled grenade and
machine gun fire to rescue a critically
wounded comrade who had been
pinned down in an exposed position.
Carter administered first aid and
carried the soldier to cover.
On his own initiative, Carter again
maneuvered through enemy fire to
check on a fallen soldier and recovered
the squad’s radio, which allowed
them to coordinate their evacuation
with fellow soldiers. With teammates
18
y
M E D A L O F H O N O R 2020
“Carter’s heroic actions and tactical skill were
critical to the defense of Combat Outpost
Keating, preventing the enemy from capturing
the position and saving the lives of his fellow
soldiers.”
providing covering
fire, Carter helped
the wounded
soldier more than
100 yards through
withering enemy
fire to the aid
station and before
returning to the
fight.
“Carter’s heroic
actions and tactical
skill were critical
to the defense of Combat Outpost
Keating, preventing the enemy from
capturing the position and saving the
lives of his fellow soldiers,” according
to his citation. His “extraordinary
heroism and selflessness above and
beyond the call of duty are in keeping
with the highest traditions of military
service.”
Carter is currently stationed as a
staff noncommissioned officer with
the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base
Lewis-McChord.