Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award from President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the White House on October 12, 1953, for his actions as a 1st lieutenant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 31St Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, US Army, on October 14, 1952, near Kumhwa, Korea, during the Battle of Triangle Hill. After graduating from high school in June 1945, he enlisted in the Merchant Marie during the final months of World War II. He then attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, and upon his graduation in 1951, he received a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the US Army and was sent to Korea. On October 14, 1952, his company spearheaded an attack on a fortified Chinese position, and as he led his company toward the objective, they came under intense small-arms, grenade, and mortar fire. He received two grazing wounds to his hand and ankle before being shot in the helmet by a sniper. The bullet lodged under the skin in his right ear, knocking him unconscious and when he awoke, he refused medical attention and resumed leading his soldiers forward. Later, when he was wounded in the right side by a grenade, he again turned away medical aid and continued to command his unit until the hill was taken. He was also awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart (with one oak leaf cluster). After the war. he remained in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War before retiring in 1977 at the rank of colonel. He died at the age of 75. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "1st Lt. Schowalter, commanding officer, 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 strong-point, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties. The 2d Platoon moved up in support at this juncture, and although wounded, 1st Lt. 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. 1st Lt. 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."