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Corporal Stowers, a native of Anderson County, South Carolina, distinguished
himself by exceptional heroism on 28 September 1918, while serving as a
squad leader in Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93rd Infantry 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.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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