Edward Rightor Schowalter, Jr. was born on December 24, 1907, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was the son of Edward R. Schowalter, Sr. and Ruth Dawson Johnson. He graduated from high school in June of 1945 and enlisted in the Merchant Marines right at the end of World War II.
After World War II he entered college at Virginia Miitary Institute and earned a B.S degree in Chemistry.
He and his wife Bonney had five children. He died on November 21, 2003, and is buried in the Fort Benning Post Cemetery, in Columbus, Georgia.
First Lieutenant Schowalter, commanding, Company A, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Committed to attack and occupy a key-approach to the primary objective, the 1st Platoon of his company came under heavy vicious small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire within 50 yards of the enemy-held strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties.
The 2d Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, First Lieutenant 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.
First Lieutenant 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.
In 1951 he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the US Army and served in the Korean War. His Medal of Honor event occurred on October 14, 1952, near Kumhwa near the borders of present-day North and South Korea. He received his medal from President Eisenhower, along with Ernest E. West and William R. Charette in 1954.
He later served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired in 1977 and settled in Auburn, Alabama.
Shown here are the medals and badges Colonel Edward Rightor Schowalter Jr. earned during his career.
Medal of Honor
Combat Infantry Badge
Colonel Schowalter is buried in the Fort Benning Post Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia.
