Michael Boyd Carter was born at Torrance Memorial Hospital on October 29, 1945. HIs father, Mitchell Carter and his mother Reva lived at 1809 W. 225th St. in Torrance. His father worked as an ice delivery man. He had two brothers Lonnie and Russell. He graduated from Narbonne High School in June, 1963.

In March 1966 he enlisted into the Marine Corps and had basic training at Camp Pendleton. He was sent to Vietnam in September. Lance Corporal Carter served in Company M, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He was a rifleman.

He was killed in battle from hostile small arms fire in Quan Ngai Province, Vietnam on February 23, 1967. Lance Corporal Carter received the Purple Heart. Interment is at the Green Hills Memorial Park.