CARTERET COUNTY, NC (November 21, 2023) – Houston Salter, a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who turned 103 years old this month, was honored on Monday evening by the Carteret County Board of Commissioners at their monthly meeting.
Commissioner Chris Chadwick presented the veteran with a special Carteret County “Proclamation of Honor” that recognized not only his 103rd birthday on Nov. 10 but also paid tribute to his military service to the people of the United States and Carteret County.
Mr. Salter enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942 during a critical period in American history. Stationed at Ellis Island from 1942 to 1945, he played an important role in unloading bombs from Coast Guard and merchant ships while also providing port security at Hell Gate Bridge in New York City.
After his service with the Coast Guard, Mr. Salter returned home to Harkers Island and went to work at Cherry Point, serving his community for another 28 years before retiring.
During a long and productive lifetime, Mr. Salter has demonstrated in countless ways his dedication to his family and country while earning the respect and affection of people from his beloved Harkers Island community. At the commemoration of the 233rd birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard on August 5, 2023, hosted at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center, Mr. Salter was honored as the county’s oldest living "Coastie."
Commissioner Chadwick expressed gratitude for Mr. Salter's exemplary service, stating, "We are privileged to recognize and honor Mr. Houston Salter, not only for his impressive age milestone but for his selfless dedication to our country and our local community.”
To read the “Proclamation of Honor” passed at the November 20, 2023 Carteret County Board of Commissioners meeting, please click here.
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