Aviation Radioman 2nd Class Arthur D. Carter, 7064889, Radioman, Avenger Torpedo Bomber, Torpedo Squadron 24, Air Group 24, U.S.S. Belleau Wood. Killed in Action on 29 April 1944 when his Torpedo Bomber was shot down during a raid on Truk. Born on 23 December 1922, he entered the service on 19 August 1942 from Bronx, New York.

Before the war, Arthur Carter worked as a clerk. He enlisted in the Navy at 19 years old and following training was assigned as an Aviation Radioman in Scouting Squadron 24 on 31 December 1942. On 1 March 1943 this squadron became Composite Squadron 24 (VC-24) where it joined the U.S.S. Belleau Wood on 30 April 1943 before becoming Torpedo Squadron 24 (VT-24) on 15 December 1943. ARM3c Carter completed three months of air crew train on board the carrier and earned his Aircrewman Insignia on 16 July 1943. He completed another important milestone for a sailor when the U.S.S. Belleau Wood crossed the equator on 1 September 1943 and ARM3c Carter became a qualified "Shellback."

On 29 April 1944, ARM2c Carter was radioman on a Avenger Torpedo Bomber piloted by Lt.(jg). Ernest W. Wood, Jr with AOM2c Robert B. Wagenknecht as the rear gunner. They were conducting a "glide bombing" mission on Truk Island. Flying threw intense Japanese anti-aircraft fire, their aircraft was seen to have released its bombs before beginning to smoke. The plane then crashed into the sea at a 35 degree angle. No survivors were located.

ARM2c Carter's body was never recovered and is listed on the Tablet of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery, Manila, Philippines. He was 21 years old.

Carter, Arthur David, ARM2c