Edward R. Schowalter Jr. Medal of Honor recipient at Hill 122 in Korea

Jan 05 , 2026

Edward R. Schowalter Jr. Medal of Honor recipient at Hill 122 in Korea

Edward R. Schowalter Jr. stood under a hailstorm of bullets. His knuckles raw, face smeared with mud and blood, he barked orders even as his leg tore open, bone flashing through ragged flesh. The enemy pushed hard—waves crashing relentless against his position near Hill 122 in Korea. Retreat was not an option. Not for him. Not that day.

Born of Grit, Grounded in Faith

Schowalter came from Oklahoma soil, the kind that grew quiet strength and cold resolve. Raised with a steady hand and disciplined heart, he carried a deep faith that seasons a warrior’s soul. God’s grace was not just a prayer— it was a lifeline in the chaos.

His West Point training sculpted his military discipline, but it was his Southern Baptist roots that forged his code: protect your men, bear burdens for others, never flinch from sacrifice.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

This scripture was more than words. It was fuel for the fire deep inside Schowalter when the night bled out around them.

The Battle at Hill 122: Defiance in the Face of Death

February 25, 1951. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division was dug in atop Hill 122, a vital ridge in Korea’s unforgiving landscape. Chinese forces launched a ferocious assault, superior in numbers but unaware of the stubborn will holding the line.

Then his position was overrun.

Despite a shattered ankle, Schowalter refused to fall back.

According to Medal of Honor records, with his company commander killed, he grabbed the radio, rallied the men, and organized a counterattack under blistering fire. Alone, he charged enemy foxholes, threw grenades, dragged the wounded to safety, and inspired his unit with a warrior’s roar. His actions stemmed the tide long enough for reinforcements.

His dogged leadership and raw guts turned a near-certain slaughter into a holding action.

The Silver Star citation recalls, “his heroic example and courageous leadership inspired his men to hold firm against overwhelming odds.”

Wounded multiple times, bleeding from head to toe, Schowalter said later, “Every man fought because he knew someone had his back.”

That bond was forged in blood and prayer.

Awards Carved in Valor

For his extraordinary heroism that cold night, Schowalter received the Medal of Honor—a testament to sacrifice beyond the call. The citation states:

“Despite grave wounds, Second Lieutenant Schowalter fearlessly led his men through furious enemy attacks, refusing evacuation until the objectives were secured. His valor and leadership preserved the lives of many and inspired his comrades to victory.”

Few wear the Medal of Honor. Fewer live to tell the cost.

General James Van Fleet praised Schowalter’s “unshakable courage and fierce commitment to duty in the darkest hour,” recognizing in him the very essence of a warrior-leader.

The Lasting Legacy of a Warrior’s Heart

Schowalter’s story is carved into the granite of American military history. But beyond medals and honor lies the heartbeat of leadership: sacrifice, humility, and unwavering faith.

Healing takes time, but Schowalter’s scars—both visible and invisible—tell a story of redemption through service. His battlefield resilience stands as a beacon for veterans and civilians alike.

He embodied the truth that courage is not absence of fear, but the hard choice to move forward despite it. His life reminds us that every soldier carries a story of prayer, pain, and profound purpose.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

Edward R. Schowalter Jr. made peace through valor. His legacy demands we honor the cost of freedom with reverence, remembering the debt owed to those who stand in the hellfire, so the rest of us might live in the light.

Sources

1. Department of Defense, Medal of Honor Citation: Edward R. Schowalter Jr. 2. U.S. Army Center of Military History, 1st Cavalry Division in Korea 3. Van Fleet, James A. End of the Rope: The Memoirs of an Infantry General 4. Silver Star Citation, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Unit Records