Joseph was born on the 15th of August, 1875 in Manchester, England and he was 24 years old when his actions as a Blacksmith in the US Navy would earn him the Medal of Honor. The citation reads:

On board the U.S.S. Marblehead during the operation of cutting the cable leading from Cienfuegos, Cuba, 11 May 1898. Facing the heavy fire of the enemy, Carter set an example of extraordinary bravery and coolness throughout this action.

Joseph Edward Carter died on the 19th of June, 1950 at the age of 74 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery: section 34, lot 2631-1.