Libertyville World War II vet represents living history for kids
In 1943, less than two weeks after graduating from high school in Hornell, a small town in upstate New York, Don Carter reported for duty in the U.S. Army at Camp Upton.
“We got sworn in and sworn at,” says Carter, a longtime Libertyville resident and one of a quickly dwindling number of World War II veterans.
He was designated for artillery and became part of a tank crew that participated in some of the most storied battles of the war.
“Had I gotten infantry, I can assure you I would not be sitting here unless I got awful lucky,” he recounts for a visitor in his comfortable front room.
What follows is a mesmerizing variation of Carter’s World War II journey of 11 months of combat that he routinely shares with school kids and other groups as a bridge to another generation. Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Hurtgen Forest, the St. Lo Breakthrough, Cherbourg — Carter was there.
His memory is sharp. The stories are numerous and the details vivid, with a tone that is engaging yet humble. In Carter’s estimation, as a member of the 44th Field Artillery Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, he was just one of the guys doing what needed to be done. And, at 88, Carter remains active in a variety of activities, including many that support veterans.
“He is the epitome of what every community wants, someone who willingly volunteers his time and helps out wherever needed,” Libertyville Mayor Terry Weppler said.
Besides the talks, which are concentrated around Veterans Day, Carter is junior vice commander of the local American Legion post and a trustee with the VFW. He also leads the Legion’s Boys State citizenship training program for high school students, which operates in 49 states.
Libertyville representatives were selected in 2011 and 2012 to go to Washington and meet the president.
For the past four years, Carter has organized activities for the annual Memorial Day observation in Libertyville, one of the most extensive in Lake County.
“For a guy that’s 88 years old, it’s amazing how much he does,” said Al Proia, commander of the Libertyville Legion Post 329.
But it is his storytelling ability and willingness to share his experiences that make Carter a go-to resource.
For example, Carter was in the first tank through the town square when the Allies freed France from German occupation at Cherbourg. He told the driver to get close to the German headquarters and yanked down the Nazi flag, which he still has.
People don’t recognize the sacrifices that were made, according to Weppler.
“It’s something kids need to hear,” he said.
Carter worked for Bausch & Lomb for 51 years, rising to national sales manager and retiring at age 75. But World War II stories were not on his to-do list.
“I didn’t talk about it at all. A lot of other guys still don’t,” he says.
That changed in 2005 when he visited the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., as a guest of then-Congressman Mark Kirk. It included a tour of the Library of Congress, where he was led to a small studio and told to tell his story on camera.
“That was my first genuine exposure,” he said. “We got a lecture: World War II guys have to quit sitting in the corner mute. You have to tell your story.”
Back home, a Boy Scout troop asked him to speak and other appearances followed.
He is a favorite at McHenry High School District 156, which several years ago decided to hold classes on Veterans Day with the caveat that it be made a special observance. Students are greeted at the entrance to both high schools by representatives from Warriors Watch. As the day progresses, a moment of silence is observed and taps is played. Veterans from all generations speak to students.
“Here’s what happens when Don speaks: the kids, you can hear a pin drop. They look at him as living history,” District 156 Superintendent Michael Roberts said.
“The kids stay afterward to talk to him and thank him. The teachers thank him,” he added.