Charles Irving Carpenter (January 13, 1906[1] – February 22, 1994) was an American pastor and the first Chief of Chaplains of the United States Air Force.

In 1942, Carpenter was assigned to The Pentagon to establish chaplaincy work in the United States Army Air Forces.

He was later reassigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe during the closing months of World War II.

Carpenter remained Chief of Chaplains until 1958, when he took up assignment at the United States Air Force Academy.

Awards he received include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster and the Belgian Military Cross, First Class.