Freddie Stowers’ Legacy Restored After Years of Erasure
Freddie Stowers, a World War I hero from South Carolina, has finally received the recognition he deserves. As the first Black American to receive the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism, Stowers’ legacy was almost lost to history—twice. His recognition was delayed for over 70 years, and his name was recently removed from the Department of Defense’s website due to controversial content purges. However, public outcry has led to the restoration of his story, ensuring his bravery is never forgotten.
A statue at Anderson University and tributes at the Anderson County Museum now stand as testaments to his sacrifice. His name, once erased, is once again part of the historical record. But his story highlights the ongoing struggle for Black soldiers to receive the recognition they rightfully earned.
The Battle That Defined His Heroism
Born in 1896 in Sandy Springs, South Carolina, Stowers was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1917. He served as a squad leader in Company C, 371st Infantry Regiment, 93rd Infantry Division, an all-Black unit under French command due to segregation in the U.S. military.
On September 28, 1918, during an assault on Hill 188 in France, Stowers’ unit came under heavy fire. The enemy faked surrender, only to ambush them with interlocking machine guns and mortar fire. Despite overwhelming odds, Stowers took charge, leading his squad in an attack that dismantled the enemy’s defenses. Even after being mortally wounded, he continued urging his men forward until his last breath. His bravery inspired them to press on, securing victory on the battlefield.
Delayed Recognition and Racial Injustice
Despite his selfless actions, Stowers’ Medal of Honor recommendation was overlooked due to racial discrimination. It wasn’t until 1991—73 years after his death—that President George H.W. Bush posthumously awarded him the nation’s highest military honor in a White House ceremony attended by his surviving sisters.
Historians believe that Stowers’ heroism, like that of many Black soldiers, was deliberately ignored in a segregated military. His story was one of many lost in an era where Black service members were often denied recognition for their valor.
Erased Again: The Department of Defense Controversy
Recently, Stowers faced another erasure. His name was among those removed from the Department of Defense’s website as part of efforts to eliminate diversity-focused content. Alongside him, stories of the Tuskegee Airmen, Navajo Code Talkers, and other minority military heroes were deleted. Even photos of the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, were flagged—seemingly due to its name containing the word “gay.”
Public backlash led to the reinstatement of some pages, including Stowers’, but many stories remain lost. This incident highlights ongoing challenges in preserving the legacies of Black war heroes.
A Lasting Tribute to a Forgotten Hero
Stowers’ memory is now honored at Anderson University with a statue by sculptor Maria J. Kirby-Smith, unveiled in 2015. The Anderson County Museum also features a tribute, ensuring future generations learn about his sacrifice.
His Medal of Honor citation describes his actions as “above and beyond the call of duty,” emphasizing his selfless bravery. Some historians even compare him to Alvin York, another WWI hero celebrated in a 1941 Hollywood film.
Stowers’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and courage of Black soldiers who fought not only for their country but also for the recognition they were often denied. His legacy, once erased, is now rightfully honored, standing as a beacon of bravery and justice.
Leave a Reply