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.

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Sources

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    National Museum of African American History and Culture

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