FREDDIE STOWERS
Rank and organization: Corporal, 371st Infantry Regiment,
93rd Infantry Division
Place and date: At Hill 188, Champagne Marne
Sector, France, 28 September 1918 Citation: 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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