Ensign Purdom Carpenter is the son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Carpenter of Powell, Texas.  He was born in Navarro County September 14, 1891, and was educated in the rural public schools, later taking a course in a business college in Waco.  Entered the service in May 1918, with the United States Navy and trained at Mare Island and San Diego.  He was assigned to the U. S. S. Pacific.  From San Diego he was sent to New York and then to Princeton University for training and was there commissioned as an Ensign of the U. S. Navy.  He received his discharge in June 1919.  Following this he was employed by the Shipping Board at Washington, D. C.  His home address is Powell, Texas, Route 1.

History of Texas World War Heroes - World War 1