William E. Carter

William E. Carter

Born: July 16, 1859

Died: October 18, 1918

Massachusetts Volunteer Militia

United States Army

Spanish American War

Massachusetts National Guard

Sergeant William E. Carter joined the 6th Massachusetts volunteer militia on September 20, 1878, at the age of 20. He served faithfully until the call to muster in 1898. Carter served in Puerto Rico during the Spanish American War distinguishing himself as corporal. Returning home in 1899 to “L” Co. M.V.M., he served until muster in 1917 when “L” Co. became the 372nd Infantry, the beginning of a famed regiment. Carter died in France on October 18, 1918 at the ripe age of sixty after 40 years of service to State and Nation. When the founding charter members led by J. Holman Pryor applied for membership in the American Legion, they selected Sergeant William E. Carter as their namesake. At that time Sergeant Carter was the oldest member of Company “L” 372nd Infantry, the oldest in the Massachusetts National Guard.