Stowers Elementary School - Grades: PK-5
Corporal Freddie Stowers, born and raised in Sandy Spring, SC is the only African American Medal of Honor recipient from World War I. He joined the First Provisional Infantry Regiment (Colored), US Army on October 4, 1917, shortly after it was organized in August 1917 at Camp (now Fort) Jackson, SC. The First Regiment was composed of African American men from the first military draft of WWI. On December 1, 1917, he was promoted to Private First Class, the same day his unit was redesignated the 371st Infantry Regiment of the 186th Infantry Brigade. He was shipped Overseas to join the America Expeditionary Force on April 7, 1918. On May 8, 1918, he was promoted to Corporal and on June 12, 1918, the 371st was officially attached to the French 157th Infantry Division. Freddie Stowers was 21 years old.
In their first major action, the battle for Hill 188, the 371st received a citation from the French government. Corporal Stowers took charge, setting such a courageous example of personal bravery and leadership that inspired his men to follow him in the attack After fierce fighting, the men were successful in defeating the enemy but at a great price. Corporal Stowers and four of his fellow soldiers were nominated for the Congressional Medal of Honor. The award was eventually downgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross for the four African American soldiers. Corporal Stowers' paperwork was inadvertently lost and was not found until 1989. In short, Corporal Stowers was officially awarded the Medal of Honor with it being presented to his sister who is still living today.