Medal of Honor: Edward R. Schowalter, Jr., Korean War, October 14, 1952

Name: Edward R. Schowalter, Jr.
Rank: First Lieutenant
War: Korean War
Date of Action: October 14, 1952
Unit: Company A, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division
Born: December 24, 1927 – New Orleans, Louisiana
Entered Service At: Metairie, Louisiana

Summary of Action
In the darkness near Kumhwa, Korea, First Lieutenant Edward Schowalter led his company in an assault on a heavily fortified ridge that guarded a key approach to the main objective. As his men closed within fifty yards of the enemy line, they were struck by a storm of rifle, grenade, and mortar fire that tore into their ranks and halted the advance.

Schowalter refused to pull back. Rallying his platoons under the punishing barrage, he personally led the push forward, firing and throwing grenades as he moved. A grenade fragment tore into him, but he waved off aid and kept leading from the front, pressing his men into the enemy trench system. When a hidden enemy position suddenly erupted beside him, he was hit again—his third wound of the day. Still, he refused to relinquish command, directing his soldiers and shouting encouragement until the last bunker was cleared and the objective secured. Only then did he allow himself to be evacuated.

His stubborn courage and refusal to quit inspired his men to victory under impossible conditions.

Medal of Honor Citation
SCHOWALTER, EDWARD R., JR.
Rank and organization: First Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Company A, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
Place and date: Near Kumhwa, Korea, 14 October 1952.
Entered service at: Metairie, La.
Born: 24 December 1927, New Orleans, La.
G.O. No.: 6, 28 January 1954.
Citation: 1st Lt. Schowalter, commanding Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Committed to attack and occupy a key approach to the primary objective, the 1st Platoon of his company came under heavy vicious small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire within 50 yards of the enemy-held strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties. The 2d Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, 1st Lt. Schowalter continued to spearhead the assault. Nearing the objective he was severely wounded by a grenade fragment but, refusing medical aid, he led his men into the trenches and began routing the enemy from the bunkers with grenades. Suddenly from a burst of fire from a hidden cove off the trench he was again wounded. Although suffering from his wounds, he refused to relinquish command and continued issuing orders and encouraging his men until the commanding ground was secured and then he was evacuated. 1st Lt. Schowalter’s unflinching courage, extraordinary heroism, and inspirational leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.