Meet Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sgt. Ty Michael Carter

Staff Sergeant Ty Michael Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor on Monday afternoon, August 26, 2013 for his heroic actions in Afghanistan. Carter is the second Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor for the battle on Oct. 3, 2009.

Carter is the the fifth living Soldier to receive the Medal of Honor based on service in Iraq or Afghanistan and the 12th recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In a press conference held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Carter said, “This award is not mine alone. I am grateful for the service of all the Soldiers who I fought with that day and would like to take a moment to express my sincere condolences to the families of those who did not make it back from the battle.”

Recognized for his actions when more than 400 Anti-Afghan forces attempted to overrun Combat Outpost Keating, a company-sized outpost in Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. On that day, of the 53 members of B Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, who defended the position, eight Soldiers were killed, and more than 25 were injured. 

Carter was inducted into the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes and received the prestigious award, the citation can be read in full here. 

About Carter
After previously serving in the Marines Corps, Carter enlisted in the U.S. Army Jan. 3, 2008, to attend the Cavalry Scout Basic Training Course at Fort Knox, Ky. In April 2008, he was sent to Fort Carson, Colo., to join 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

In May of 2009, Carter deployed for 12 months to Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. In October 2010, Carter was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and joined Alpha Troop, 8th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. In May 2012, he deployed to Kandahar City, Afghanistan.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, Carter’s military awards include the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal (with 4 oak leaf clusters), the Army Achievement Medal (with 2 oak leaf clusters), the Army Good Conduct Medal, the Navy/Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with two campaign stars), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (with numeral 2 device), the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, and the Air Assault Badge. He is also authorized to wear the Valorous Unit Award and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Carter is currently stationed as a staff noncommissioned officer with the 7th Infantry Division at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. He lives in Washington State with his wife, Shannon, and their three children.