Corporal Freddie Stowers was 22 years old at the start of World War I. He was a farm hand, married with one daughter, from Sandy Springs, South Carolina. His grandfather had been a slave. Stowers saved the lives of nearly half his company, by destroying a German machine gun nest after a false German surrender.
The 157th French Army
Cpl. Stowers was drafted into the Army in 1917. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion of the segregated U.S. 371st Infantry Regiment, originally part of the 93d Infantry Division (Colored). Because of the segregation and intolerance in American society, African-American units were assigned to fight under French command. Stowers’ regiment was seconded to the 157th French Army, the “Red Hand Division.”
False Surrender
In September 1918 Cpl. Stowers’ company was assigned to take Hill 188 near the town of Ardeuil-et-Montfauxelles, in the Ardennes forest in northern France. They attacked a German trench with a superior force, and the Germans signaled a desire to surrender. They climbed out of their trench and held their hands high.
He crawled to the first line, destroyed a machine gun nest, and led the charge against the second trench.
When Company C was within 100 yards of the first line, the Germans suddenly jumped back into the trench and laid down sweeping machine gun fire. Over half the company were killed in an instant, but Cpl. Stowers led the attack. He crawled to the first line, destroyed a machine gun nest, and led the charge against the second trench. In spite of mortal wounds he was able to lead the company to defeat the enemy force.
Although Corporal Freddie Stowers was nominated for a Medal of Honor, his award was never processed. Three other members of his company also were nominated, but they received the Distinguished Service Cross. In 1990 the Department of the Army conducted an investigation into past discrimination against black service members, and found the unprocessed recommendation for Freddie Stowers.
The Army sent an investigative team to France to research the matter, and made a recommendation that Stowers receive the Medal of Honor. President George H.W. Bush presented the Medal to Georgina and Mary, the two surviving sisters of Corporal Freddie Stowers, in a white House ceremony on 24 April 1994. The ceremony took place 73 years after Stowers was killed in action.
Freddie Stowers 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.
Black History Month
This is the second in a series of articles in honor of Black History Month. For other installments in the series, please click here. Every day this month a new article will honor an American of African heritage who has made a significant contribution to American society. If there is any individual you would like to see honored, please send me his or her name and background information. Please use the email address I set up to receive stories about Christmas deployments, [email protected].
