Jesse McI. Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jesse McI. Carter
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Major General Jesse McIlvaine Carter
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| Born | April 12, 1863 Farmington, Missouri |
| Died | June 23, 1930 (aged 67) Houston, Texas |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1886–1921 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 12th Cavalry Regiment 11th Infantry Division Chief of the Militia Bureau |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars Spanish–American War Pancho Villa Expedition World War I |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal |
Jesse McIlvane Carter (born April 12, 1863 – died June 23, 1930) was an important leader in the United States Army. He became a Major General and was in charge of the Militia Bureau. This bureau helps organize and train the National Guard.
Contents
Early Life and Military Start
Jesse McI. Carter was born in Farmington, Missouri, on April 12, 1863. He went to the United States Military Academy (often called West Point). He graduated in 1886. Another famous soldier, John J. Pershing, graduated in the same class. After West Point, Carter became a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Cavalry.
First Assignments
Early in his career, Carter worked in many different places across the United States. He served during the Indian Wars at places like Fort Ringgold, Texas. He also served at Fort McIntosh, Fort Clark, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas.
From 1890 to 1891, he taught students at Norwich University. Later, he helped recruit new soldiers in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky. Before the Spanish–American War, Carter led a cavalry troop in cities like New Orleans, Tampa, and Mobile.
Spanish–American War Service
In 1898, during the Spanish–American War, Carter had a key job. He was a "mustering officer" for Georgia and Tennessee. This meant he was in charge of finding and officially signing up officers for the volunteer groups that fought in the war.
After the war, in 1900, he became a Captain in the Porto Rico Regiment. This was a group of volunteers formed right after the fighting ended.
After the Spanish–American War
In 1901, Carter became a captain in the 14th Cavalry. He served in places like Fort Leavenworth, the Philippines, and Walla Walla, Washington.
From 1909 to 1911, Carter worked on the Army General Staff. This is a group that helps plan and manage the entire Army. He was promoted to major in 1911.
Cavalry Board and Mexican Border
From 1912 to 1914, Carter was part of the Cavalry Board. This group looked at how cavalry soldiers fought, what weapons they used, and their equipment. They suggested ways to make things better.
In 1914, he went back to the 3rd Cavalry. He served along the Mexican Border in Texas. This was during a time of trouble called the Mexican Revolution.
Pancho Villa Expedition
In 1916, Carter was a squadron commander with the 12th Cavalry in Panama. Later that year, he was promoted to colonel. He then led the 12th Cavalry along the Texas–Mexico Border. This was during the Pancho Villa Expedition, when the U.S. Army chased a Mexican revolutionary leader named Pancho Villa.
World War I Contributions
In 1916, Carter was chosen to lead the Militia Bureau. This organization later became the National Guard Bureau. He served in this role until mid-1918. During this time, he played a big part in getting National Guard units ready for World War I. He helped them become part of the main U.S. Army.
He was promoted to brigadier general in 1917. Later that year, he became a temporary major general.
Leading the 11th Infantry Division
In August 1918, Carter became the commander of the 11th Infantry Division at Fort Meade, Maryland. He started training these soldiers to fight in France. However, the war ended before his division could go overseas.
After World War I
After the war, Carter went back to his permanent rank of brigadier general. He returned to the Militia Bureau. He worked hard to make the National Guard better. He wanted to make sure their training and rules were similar to the regular Army. This would help them work together more easily.
Carter retired from the Army in 1921. He then lived in Wharton, Texas.
Awards and Later Life
Carter received the Distinguished Service Medal. This award recognized his important work during World War I.
After leaving the Army, Carter worked for a company in St. Louis. He managed their properties in Texas. Later, he worked for another company called the Wharton Development Company.
Jesse Carter passed away in Houston, Texas, on June 23, 1930. He died after having surgery for appendicitis. He was buried in Farmington, Missouri.
After his death, Congress passed a special law. This law officially made Jesse Carter a permanent Major General on the retired list.
