Stowers, Freddie

1896-1918 · Contribution: 1918-1991

Military & Safety

Became the only African American awarded the Medal of Honor for World War I service, posthumously recognized in 1991 — 73 years after his death — for leading his depleted squad in a successful assault after German troops feigned surrender and ambushed his company

Military & Safety — collage image
Military & Safety

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Quick facts

Born
1896-1918
Category
Military & Safety

Impact on the world

Stowers's valor and his 73-year wait for recognition became the case that first forced the Army to confront the absence of Black WWI Medal of Honor recipients.

Sources

  1. National Museum of African American History and Culture

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