Robert G. Carter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Goldthwaite Carter
|
|
|---|---|
Robert G. Carter
|
|
| Born | October 29, 1845 Bridgton, Maine, United States |
| Died | January 4, 1936 (aged 90) Washington, D.C. |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
 United States ArmyUnion Army |
| Years of service | 1862–1864, 1870–1876 |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | 4th Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Indian Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Robert Goldthwaite Carter (born October 29, 1845 – died January 4, 1936) was an officer in the U.S. Cavalry. He served during the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. He is especially known for his bravery against the Comanche people. For his actions in Texas on October 10, 1871, he received the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for bravery in the United States.
Later in life, Robert Carter became a successful author. He wrote several books about his time in the military. His most famous book was On the Border with Mackenzie (1935). He also wrote small booklets about his experiences fighting Native American tribes on the Texas frontier. These booklets are very rare today.
Contents
Robert Carter's Early Life and Military Service
Robert Carter was born in Bridgton, Maine. His family moved to Portland in 1847. In 1857, they moved again to Massachusetts. He was getting ready to attend Phillips Academy when the American Civil War began.
Carter decided to join the army. He enlisted as a private in the 22nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He served with the Army of the Potomac from August 1862 to October 1864. During the war, he fought in many important battles. These included the Battle of Antietam, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. He also took part in the Siege of Petersburg.
Joining the Cavalry and Earning the Medal of Honor
In July 1865, Carter began studying at West Point. This is a famous military academy. He graduated and became a second lieutenant. On June 15, 1870, he joined the 4th U.S. Cavalry.
For the next few years, Carter went on many missions. These missions were against the Comanche and other tribes in Texas. During one of these missions, he showed great courage. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his "most distinguished gallantry." This happened in Blanco Canyon on October 10, 1871.
During this battle, Carter was badly hurt. His left leg was severely injured when his horse fell. This injury later led to his early retirement from the army. He officially received his Medal of Honor on January 23, 1900.
Later Military Career and Retirement
After recovering, Carter returned to duty. He joined Colonel Ranald Mackenzie on several campaigns. In May 1873, they fought against the Kickapoo in northern Mexico. Carter was promoted to first lieutenant on February 21, 1875.
However, his leg injury made it hard for him to serve in the field. He was forced to retire from active duty on June 28, 1876. Even though he recovered from his injury, the U.S. Army did not let him return to active service. In 1904, he was promoted to captain on the retired list.
Life After the Army and Writing
After retiring, Robert Carter became a teacher. He later led the Washington office of a publishing company. He also continued to write many books. Some of his other books include Four Brothers in Blue (1913) and The Old Sergeant's Story (1926).
His most famous book was his memoir, On the Border With Mackenzie. It was published in 1935, when he was 90 years old. Robert Carter passed away in Washington, D.C., on January 4, 1936. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
