Lieutenant Carter has served in Korea since October 1952. He was first employed as Liaison Officer and Assistant Engineer Intelligence Officer with 23 Canadian Field Squadron, and since February 1953, as Troop Reconnaissance Officer, continuing in this appointment in 59 Canadian Field Squadron on arrival of that unit in Korea. Throughout his service in this theatre he has shown outstanding qualities of leadership and proficiency and by his own fearless actions when under enemy fire has provided a fine example of courage and devotion to duty. During the month of January 1953, he supervised the installation of field defences on the “Hook” area during which period his troop was required to work on twenty-four hour duty and was frequently subjected to enemy shelling. Throughout this period, he proved an inspiration to his men, remained calm, composed and cheerful at all times, and frequently exposed himself to danger, going without sleep for long periods in giving this task his personal supervision and providing encouragement for his men. On another occasion, during the period 14-25 May 1953, he was placed in charge of a mine lifting operation to clear a minefield in front of a platoon position of “D” Company, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. This operation was most difficult, as it had to be carried out in darkness in the face of the enemy, using an infantry section as a protective screen. Due to the presence of numerous shrapnel fragments in the minefield, the use of a mine detector was rendered ineffective and the mines had to be lifted by the slow arduous prodding method. In addition, the forward portion of the field containing anti-personnel trip wires was in fairly dense vegetation. Due to careful planning and organization the operation proceeded smoothly from night to night and although the mine lifting party was frequently subject to enemy mortar and machine gun fire, Lieutenant Carter’s steady calm direction and cheerfulness instilled a spirit of confidence in his team. On many nights he remained on the job long after first light to supervise the work, and to ensure that an accurate record of the lifting was maintained and all would be in readiness for work on the following night. The successful completion of this task, under very difficult conditions, was due to this officer’s high qualities of tenacity, devotion to duty and leadership. His disregard for his own safety, his untiring efforts and his fine leadership, have been an example to his squadron.

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