5 Random Things About Freddie Stowers

Cpl. Freddie Stowers

Freddie Stowers was the only African-American recipient of the Medal of Honor for actions during World War I. His heroics have led to comparisons with Alvin York, the famous World War I hero. Unlike York, though, Stowers did not survive the war, and his legend never grew. To add insult to injury, the army lost his Medal of Honor recommendation and it wasn’t awarded until 1991, over 70 years after his death. Read on for more info about Freddie Stowers, including the full Medal of Honor citation.

1. Freddie Stowers was born in Sandy Springs, South Carolina.
2. Stowers was born in 1896, but his exact date of birth is unknown.
3. Stowers was drafted into the army in 1917, and was originally a part of American Expeditionary Force, but was reassigned to a French unit.
4. Stowers’ commanding officer recommended him for the Medal of Honor immediately, but according to the army, the paperwork was lost. The idea was revived in 1988 around the 70th anniversary of Stowers’ date of action and he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1991. President George H.W. Bush presented the award to Stowers’ two surviving sisters.
5. Here’s the full Medal of Honor Citation:
   

   Corporal Stowers, distinguished himself by exceptional heroism on 28 September 1918 while serving as a squad leader in Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93d 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.

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