Organization:

Company A, 31^st Infantry Regiment, 7^th Infantry Division

U.S. Army

Rank:

1^st Lieutenant

Born:

December 24, 1927—New Orleans, LA

Place & Date:

Near Kumhwa, Korea—October 14, 1952

1^st Lieutenant Edward R. Schowalter, USA,

as seen in a class photo from

the Virginia Military Institute.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Military Institute.

heavy vicious small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire within 50 yards of the enemy-held strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties.  The 2^nd Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, 1^st 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.  1^st 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.

Biographical Information:

Edward R. Schowalter, Jr., was a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute in the Class of 1951.  He died on November 21, 2003, and was buried in the Fort Benning Cemetery at Fort Benning, Georgia.