Edward Rightor Schowalter Jr.

Three times wounded on a Korean battlefield, Edward Rightor “Ned” Schowalter Jr. refused to abandon his soldiers. Sixteen years later, he would again walk directly into enemy gunfire, this time on the streets of Vietnam. His extraordinary courage earned him the Medal of Honor in the Korean War and the Silver Star during the Vietnam War, establishing a remarkable legacy of battlefield leadership and personal sacrifice.

Born on 24 December 1927 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Schowalter served in the United States Merchant Marine during the closing period of World War II before entering the Virginia Military Institute. Graduating in 1951, he received a commission as an infantry officer in the United States Army. Within two years, he would demonstrate the kind of leadership that would define his military career.

On 14 October 1952, during the Battle of Triangle Hill near Kumhwa, Korea, First Lieutenant Schowalter commanded Company A, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, during a fierce assault against entrenched Chinese forces. As his leading platoon came under devastating small-arms, grenade and mortar fire, casualties mounted and the advance stalled. Although already wounded, Schowalter personally led his men forward. A grenade explosion seriously injured him, but he refused medical attention and continued fighting through enemy trenches and bunkers. Wounded yet again by fire from a concealed position, he continued directing and encouraging his soldiers until the objective was secured. His official Medal of Honor citation recognized his exceptional courage, determination and inspirational leadership despite repeated wounds. President Dwight D. Eisenhower personally presented him with the Medal of Honor at the White House on 12 January 1954.

Schowalter's courage was tested again during the Vietnam War. On 31 January 1968, during the Tet Offensive, Lieutenant Colonel Schowalter was serving with Advisory Team 75 at My Tho, South Vietnam. When South Vietnamese armored and infantry forces became stalled under intense enemy fire, he advanced alone along an exposed street, encouraging them to resume their attack. Despite heavy machine-gun, rocket and small-arms fire, he continued forward until he was struck in the neck, arm and chest. His actions inspired the allied infantry to advance and helped prevent further enemy penetration into the city. For this extraordinary gallantry, he received the Silver Star under Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, General Orders No. 896 of 1969.

His leadership extended beyond individual acts of bravery. During his service as senior adviser in Vinh Binh and Dinh Tuong Provinces from June 1967 to June 1968, Schowalter helped reorganize provincial security forces, develop counterinsurgency plans and improve protection along strategically important routes. His Legion of Merit citation recognized his exceptional judgment, operational leadership and outstanding service. He ultimately received two awards of the Legion of Merit. His two Purple Hearts reflected the serious wounds he suffered during combat in Korea and Vietnam. His Korean and Vietnam campaign service also brought additional American, United Nations and allied service recognitions.

After serving in demanding command, advisory and staff assignments, Schowalter retired from the United States Army as a colonel in 1977. He settled with his family in Auburn, Alabama, where he was remembered as a devoted father, mentor and storyteller. He died on 21 November 2003 and was buried at Fort Benning Post Cemetery in Georgia.

Edward Rightor Schowalter Jr. left behind more than an extraordinary record of military decorations. From the shattered trenches of Triangle Hill to the embattled streets of My Tho, his legacy was built on a simple principle: true leadership means accepting the greatest risks when the lives of others depend upon your courage.