Freddie Stowers was an African-American soldier whose bravery during World War I earned him the Medal of Honor, albeit posthumously. Born in Sandy Springs, South Carolina, Stowers' life journey from a farmhand to a celebrated war hero is a testament to his courage and determination. This article delves into his early life, military service, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Induction into the Army
Freddie Stowers was born on January 12, 1896, in Sandy Springs, South Carolina.
He was the grandson of an enslaved person, and before the war, he worked as a farmhand. Stowers married a woman named Pearl, and together they had a daughter, Minnie Lee. His life was typical of many African-Americans in the South during this period, marked by hard work and limited opportunities.
In 1917, Stowers was drafted into the United States Army. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion of the segregated 371st Infantry Regiment, which was part of the 93rd Infantry Division. This division was composed of African-American soldiers, and due to the racial segregation of the time, they were often relegated to labor duties. However, Stowers' regiment was different, as it was seconded to the French Army's 157th Infantry Division, known as the "Red Hand Division."
The Battle of Cote 188
On September 28, 1918, Stowers' company was ordered to assault Cote 188, a heavily defended hill in the Ardennes region of France. The German defenders initially offered stiff resistance, but the Americans steadily gained ground. As they approached the German trenches, the enemy signaled surrender, only to open fire again, reducing the company's strength by half.
With the commanding officers down, Corporal Stowers took charge. He led his men in a courageous assault on the German machine gun nests, crawling forward under heavy fire. Despite being struck twice by enemy fire, Stowers continued to lead and inspire his men until he succumbed to his wounds. His actions were pivotal in the successful capture of the hill.
Legacy and Recognition
Freddie Stowers' bravery did not receive immediate recognition. Although recommended for the Medal of Honor shortly after his death, the recommendation was not processed. It wasn't until 1990, after a review by the Department of the Army, that his heroism was officially acknowledged. On April 24, 1991, President George H. W. Bush posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor to Stowers, presenting it to his surviving sisters at the White House.
Stowers' legacy extends beyond his Medal of Honor. His story prompted a broader review of African-American soldiers' contributions during World War I, leading to the recognition of other deserving individuals. Today, his name is honored at institutions like Stowers Elementary School in Georgia and the Corporal Freddie Stowers Single Soldier Billeting Complex in South Carolina.
