"Unflinching Courage, Extraordinary Heroism, Inspirational Leadership": Medal of Honor Recipient Edward Schowalter
Quick answer: Who was Edward Schowalter?
Edward Schowalter of New Orleans was a Virginia Military Institute graduate who, as a first lieutenant commanding Company A, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, kept leading his men through multiple wounds near Kumhwa, Korea, on October 14, 1952. He received the Medal of Honor, later served two tours in Vietnam, and retired as a colonel.
Edward Schowalter was born in New Orleans on December 24, 1927. After high school he joined the Merchant Marine in the last months of World War II, then went to the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned in 1951. A year later he was a first lieutenant commanding Company A, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, near Kumhwa, Korea. On October 14, 1952, his company attacked a key approach to an enemy strongpoint. His lead platoon was stopped by small-arms fire, grenades, and mortars within fifty yards of the objective. Schowalter moved up with the second platoon, was wounded, and kept going, directing the assault and personally helping to clear the trenches and bunkers. He was hit again and refused evacuation until the position was secured. His Medal of Honor citation speaks of unflinching courage, extraordinary heroism, and inspirational leadership. He stayed in the Army, served two tours in Vietnam, and retired as a colonel. He and his wife, Bonney, raised five children, two of whom served. He died in 2003 at 75, and John recently visited his grave at Fort Benning.
Why it matters for leaders: Soldiers follow leaders who share the danger and stay with them until the job is done.
Q: Where did Schowalter earn the Medal of Honor?
A: Near Kumhwa, Korea, on October 14, 1952, commanding Company A, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.
Q: Where is he buried?
A: At the Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery in Georgia.
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By John Fenzel, founder and CEO of Heroes' Path Foundation