World War I (1914 - 1918)
- Stowers, Freddie
- Corporal Stowers, a native of Anderson County, South Carolina,
distinguished himself by exceptional heroism on 28 September 1918, while serving as a
squad leader in Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93rd Infantry Division. His company
was the lead company during the attack on Hill 188, Champagne Marne Sector, France, during
World War I. A few minutes after the attack began, the enemy ceased firing and began
climbing up onto the parapets of the trenches, holding up their arms as if wishing to
surrender. The enemy's actions caused the American forces to cease fire and to come out
into the open. As the company started forward and when within about 100 meters of the
trench line, the enemy jumped back into their trenches and greeted Corporal Stowers'
company with interlocking bands of machine gun fire and mortar fire causing well over
fifty percent casualties. Faced with incredible enemy resistance, Corporal Stowers took
charge, setting such a courageous example of personal bravery and leadership that he
inspired his men to follow him in the attack. With extraordinary heroism and complete
disregard of personal danger under devastating fire, he crawled forward leading his squad
toward an enemy machine gun nest, which was causing heavy casualties to his company. After
fierce fighting, the machine gun position was destroyed and the enemy soldiers were
killed. Displaying great courage and intrepidity, Corporal Stowers continued to press the
attack against a determined enemy. While crawling forward and urging his men to continue
the attack on a second trench line, he was gravely wounded by machine gun fire. Although,
Corporal Stowers was mortally wounded, he pressed forward, urging on the members of his
squad, until he died. Inspired by the heroism and display of bravery of Corporal Stowers,
his company continued the attack against incredible odds, contributing to the capture of
Hill 188 and causing heavy enemy casualties. Corporal Stowers' conspicuous gallantry,
extraordinary heroism and supreme devotion to his men were well above and beyond the call
of duty, follow the finest traditions of military service and reflect the utmost credit on
him and the United States Army.
-
- (The Medal of Honor was presented to Stowers' surviving
sisters during ceremonies at the White House on April 24, 1991.)
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