Joseph E. Carter

Steady service under fire at Cienfuegos

Joseph Edward Carter was born on 15 August 1875 in Manchester, England. He served as a blacksmith in the United States Navy aboard USS Marblehead during the Spanish-American War.

On 11 May 1898, Carter took part in the operation to cut the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba. Under heavy enemy fire, he demonstrated the bravery and composure recognized in his Medal of Honor citation.

Carter died on 19 June 1950 in Fargo, North Dakota. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. His award records his contribution to the cable-cutting operation and his example to fellow sailors during the action.

Medal of Honor citation

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Carter set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.