Another of North Carolina’s brave boys has fallen on the
western front in the battle for the world’s freedom. This time it is Corporal
Ben F. Carter of Co. L. 119 infantry regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Carter
of Red Springs.
Corporal Carter was born July 18th, 1898, and
died in a hospital in France Sept. 1st, 1918, of wounds received in
action. He volunteered January 15th, 1917, at Lumber Bridge, joining
company L of the 2nd N.C. regiment of the national guards. He had
been in France four months when the end came. He fought valiantly for his
country’s cause and died a hero doing his duty till he fell on the field
mortally wounded.
Ben was converted in the camp before leaving the United
States, led to Christ under the influence of the Y.M.C.A. by a camp pastor, and
joined the Methodist church. On leaving for France he directed that his church letter
be forwarded to Rev. A.J. Parker, pastor of Trinity Methodist church, Red
Springs. The following poem which he sent his mother on leaving camp in his
home land gives an insight to his spiritual life:
Dear Mother, you’re a lily placed by God beside life’s weary
way,
To give new home, new life, new joy, which smiles and seems
to say—
“Cheer up” for at the end of this dark, dreary, cheerless
road,
A haven of rest awaits your soul, a bright and heavenly
abode.
God grant that I will return to you, when e’er the battle’s
won,
But should I fall, God give you strength to say, “Thy will
be done”
For I die proudly in this fight, the souls of men to save,
Knowing that “Back Home” a Service flag for evermore shall
wave.
So as you journey down life’s road, making others’ burdens
light,
Remember that your “khaki boy” prays for you and yours each
night.
“Your Soldier Boy” by
Rev. A.J. Parker, Red Springs, N.C.
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