Mark Carter was born on June 11, 1980, in Fallbrook, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 29, 1998, and attended basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, from October to December 1998, followed by Information Systems Technician School at NTC Great Lakes from December 1998 to April 1999. Carter next completed Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training, Jump School, and SEAL Qualification Training before serving with with SEAL Team THREE at NAB Coronado, California, from February 2000 to April 2002. He served with SEAL Team SEVEN at NAB Coronado from April 2002 to April 2004, and then with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at the Dam Neck Annex of NAS Oceana, Virginia, from April 2004 until he was killed in action in Iraq on December 11, 2007. CPO Carter deployed to Afghanistan in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom multiple times. Mark Carter was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His 2nd (of 3) Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Assault Team Member for a Joint Task Force in direct support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM from 10 April to 10 July 2006, and 15 February to 15 April 2007. Petty Officer Carter's decisive actions and bravery during numerous direct action assaults resulted in many enemies captured or eliminated and multiple weapons, documents, and improvised explosive device materials seized. He skillfully employed his reconnaissance team and led a coalition force on several daring direct action assaults that resulted in the death or elimination of terrorist facilitators. His tactical expertise was critical as his team was challenged with avoiding multiple suspected enemy positions and the coalition assault force was engaged at close range. He was directly responsible for engaging and neutralizing enemy combatants before they could engage his team. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Carter reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.