Born: 1896
War: World War I
Rank: Corporal, U.S. Army
Location of Action: Champagne Marne Sector, France
Date of Action: September 28, 1918
Official 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.
FREDDIE STOWERS
