In the early months of 1945, the long and bitter struggle against Nazi Germany reached a decisive stage. Allied forces launched a massive assault on the Rhineland as they prepared to push into the heart of the Third Reich. With the heavy injuries suffered by white soldiers at the Battle of the Bulge, black soldiers, for the first time, played a major combat role. And Sgt. Eddie Carter was right in the thick of battle serving in the 12th Armored division under Patton, as he fought to secure the Rhine and stop the Nazis in their tracks. With a zealous fearlessness, Carter single-handedly captured several Germans and secured reconnaissance that would be critical in capturing Speyer. His efforts would win him a Distinguished Service Cross. But it wasn’t until 52 years later that Carter was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Here is the untold story of why the American government not only withheld Carter’s much due recognition but why they also denied him-the most decorated black American solider in WWII, the black Audie Murphy-the opportunity to reenlist.