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This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Draft Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13564
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13564-002
Folder Title:
Medal of Honor 4/19/91 [OA 6032]
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16
7
7
NAME OF SPEECH & DATE OF SPEECH medal of Honor
Wed. april 24, 1991
NAME OF WRITER :
Cut Smith
NAME OF RESEARCHER: Jennifer Grossman
SPEECH SYNOPSIS:
porus gives the medal
of honor to Corporal Freddie Stowers'
sisters in honor of their brother.
in the Champagne- meuse sector of
Corporal Stowers company was attacked
France during WWI after the entmy
faked a repleat. Corporal Stowers
pushed his hoops on. He was
was mortally wounded, but still
the just black solidu given the
medal of Chonor from WWI, 73
years after the was fist
recomended for the award.
23077555
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
4/22/91
-----
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 APR 19 PM 5: 25
April 19, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW
TS
FROM:
CURT SMITH
SUBJECT:
MEDAL OF HONOR
On Wednesday, April 24th at 3 p.m. in the East Room, you
will deliver brief remarks (approximately six minutes, on cards)
upon which you will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to the
family members of Corporal Freddie Stowers. The award recognizes
his act of exceptional heroism on September 28, 1918. Your
remarks describe the action seen that day in World War One, and
touch on the legacy those acts provide.
Acknowledged are Corporal Stowers sisters Georgina Palmer
and Mary Bowens, as well as Secretary Cheney, General Powell, and
General Vuono.
(Smith/Grossman)
April 19, 1991
Draft Five
4:30 p.m.
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991
Georgina Palmer and Mary Bowens -- sisters of today's
honoree. Secretary Cheney, General Powell, General Vuono, ladies
and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -- and to ceremonies
honoring a true hero. / A man who makes us proud of our heritage
as Americans. A man who -- in life, and death -- helped keep
America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, to whom, posthumously,
we present our highest military award for valor, the Medal of
Honor. It is an award for bravery and conscience -- that
compendium we call character. It reminds us that America is
great because America is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
soldier honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He
sought, and helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He
showed -- as this year has proved again -- that an inspired human
heart can surmount bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers first was
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. In 1987, then-Congressman Joe Dioguardi and my friend --
the late Mickey Leland -- discovered the Stowers case while
conducting other research. The Army took up the case -- and last
2
November the Secretaries of the Army and Defense recommended that
Corporal Stowers receive the Medal of Honor. I heard his story,
and agreed enthusiastically. / /
It has been said that "the ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where
he stands at times of challenge." On September 28, 1918,
Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of such a
challenge -- and summoned his mettle and courage. 11
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C, 371st Infantry
Regiment, began their attack on Hill 188 in the Champagne-Meuse
sector of France. Only a few minutes after the fighting began,
the enemy stopped firing. / Enemy troops climbed onto the
parapets of the trenches, held up their arms, and seemed to
surrender. The relieved American forces held their fire and
stepped into the open. //
As our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into
their trenches and sprayed our men with a vicious stream of
machine gun and mortar fire. The assault annihilated well over
50 per cent of Company C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying their foes.
Although he was mortally wounded during the attack, Freddie
Stowers continued to press forward, urging his men on until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, far from
family and home. He had to be scared as friends died at his
3
side. But he vanquished his fear and fought -- not for glory,
but for a cause larger than himself -- the cause of liberty.
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of all our wars, who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
The soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
of Desert Storm -- a group that includes Freddie Stowers' great
grand-nephew, Staff Sgt. Douglas Warren of the 101st Airborne,
who still is in Saudi Arabia -- all these valliant Americans are
heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C.
No nation could be more proud of its sons and daughters than we
are of them. //
Today, we celebrate their achievements. But we also heed
these words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have
seen the end of war. " /
We owe it to Freddie Stowers and those who revere his legacy
to defend the principles for which he died -- and for which
America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their lat brother -- the text of which we now will
read:
#
#
#
#
THE PRESIDENT 4-22-9, HAS SEEN
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
91 APR 19 PM 5: 25
April 19, 1991
OK
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
CURT SMITH
CS
of
SUBJECT:
MEDAL OF HONOR
On Wednesday, April 24th at 3 p.m. in the East Room, you
will deliver brief remarks (approximately six minutes, on cards)
upon which you will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to the
family members of Corporal Freddie Stowers. The award recognizes
his act of exceptional heroism on September 28, 1918. Your
remarks describe the action seen that day in World War One, and
touch on the legacy those acts provide.
Acknowledged are Corporal Stowers sisters Georgina Palmer
and Mary Bowens, as well as Secretary Cheney, General Powell, and
General Vuono.
Formed (Smith/Grossman)
April 19, 1991
Draft Five
See
MEDAL Dishi OF HONOR
4:30 p.m.
new
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
EAST ROOM
55
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991
Alexand
Georgina Palmer and Mary Bowens -- sisters of today's
honoree. Secretary Cheney, General Powell, General Vuono, ladies
and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -- and to ceremonies
honoring a true hero. / A man who makes us proud of our heritage
as Americans. A man who -- in life, and death -- helped keep
America free. 11
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, to whom, posthumously,
we present our highest military award for valor, the Medal of
Honor. It is an award for bravery and conscience -- that
compendium we call character. us
great because 10 good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
soldier honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He
sought, and helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He
showed -- as this year has proved again -- that an inspired human
heart can surmount bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers first was
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
allson
upon. In 1987, then-Congressman Joe Dioguardi and my friend --
the late Mickey Leland -- discovered the Stowers case while
conducting other research. The Army took up the case -- and last
2
November the Secretaries of the Army and Defense recommended that
Corporal Stowers receive the Medal of Honor. I heard his story,
and agreed enthusiastically. / /
It has been said that "the ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where
he stands at times of challenge." On September 28, 1918,
Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of such a
challenge -- and summoned his mettle and courage. 11
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment, began their attack on Hill 188 in the Champagne-Meuse
sector of France. Only a few minutes after the fighting began,
the enemy stopped firing. / Enemy troops climbed onto the
parapets of the trenches, held up their arms, and seemed to
surrender. The relieved American forces held their fire and
stepped into the open. //
As our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into
their trenches and sprayed our men with a vicious stream of
machine gun and mortar fire. The assault annihilated well over
50 per cent. of Company C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying their foes.
Although he was mortally wounded during the attack, Freddie
Stowers continued to press forward, urging his men on until he
died. / /
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, far from
family and home. He had to be scared as friends died at his
3
side. But he vanquished his fear and fought -- not for glory,
but for a cause larger than himself -- the cause of liberty.
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of all our wars, who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
The soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
of Desert Storm -- a group that includes Freddie Stowers' great
grand-nephew, Staff Sgt. Douglas Warren of the 101st Airborne,
who still is in Saudi Arabia -- all these valliant Americans are
heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C.
No nation could be more proud of its sons and daughters than we
are of them. //
Today, we celebrate their achievements. But we also heed
these words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have
seen the end of war. " /
We owe it to Freddie Stowers and those who revere his legacy
to defend the principles for which he died -- and for which
America stands. / /
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which we now will
read:
#
#
#
#
MEDAL OF HONOR \ EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991 \ 3:00 P.M.
powell
also
SECRETARY CHENEY, GENERAL POWERS, GENERAL VUONO.
SEE P 09
DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. FORMER MEDAL OF
HONOR RECIPIENTS -- I SALUTE YOU, EVERY ONE. ALISON
LELAND. GEORGINA PALMER AND MARY BOWENS -- SISTERS OF
TODAY'S HONOREE. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WELCOME TO THE
WHITE HOUSE -- AND TO CEREMONIES HONORING A TRUE HERO.
/
The honoree's great grand nephew, Staff Sqt. returned Douglas just Warren last night of the from 101st Saud'i Airborne Arabia - -
- 2 -
A MAN WHO MAKES US PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AS AMERICANS.
A MAN WHO -- IN LIFE, AND DEATH -- HELPED KEEP AMERICA
FREE. //
I SPEAK OF CORPORAL FREDDIE STOWERS, TO WHOM,
POSTHUMOUSLY, WE PRESENT OUR HIGHEST MILITARY AWARD FOR
VALOR, THE MEDAL OF HONOR. IT IS AN AWARD FOR BRAVERY
AND CONSCIENCE -- THAT COMPENDIUM WE CALL CHARACTER. //
Math Summit
holderg >>
hasting -no
- 3 -
TODAY CORPORAL FREDDIE STOWERS BECOMES THE FIRST
BLACK SOLDIER HONORED WITH A MEDAL OF HONOR FROM WORLD
WAR I. HE SOUGHT, AND HELPED ACHIEVE, THE TRIUMPH OF
RIGHT OVER WRONG. HE SHOWED -- AS THIS YEAR HAS PROVED
AGAIN -- THAT AN INSPIRED HUMAN HEART CAN SURMOUNT
BAYONETS AND BARBED WIRE. //
SEVENTY-THREE YEARS AGO, CORPORAL STOWERS FIRST WAS
RECOMMENDED FOR A MEDAL OF HONOR -- BUT HIS AWARD WAS
NOT ACTED UPON.
- 4 -
IN 1987, THEN-CONGRESSMAN JOE DIOGUARDI AND MY FRIEND
-- THE LATE MICKEY LELAND -- DISCOVERED THE STOWERS
CASE WHILE CONDUCTING OTHER RESEARCH. THE ARMY TOOK UP
THE CASE -- AND LAST NOVEMBER THE SECRETARIES OF THE
ARMY AND DEFENSE RECOMMENDED THAT CORPORAL STOWERS
RECEIVE THE MEDAL OF HONOR. I HEARD HIS STORY, AND
AGREED ENTHUSIASTICALLY.//
- 5 -
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT "THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A
MAN IS NOT WHERE HE STANDS IN MOMENTS OF COMFORT AND
CONVENIENCE, BUT WHERE HE STANDS AT TIMES OF
CHALLENGE.' ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1918, CORPORAL FREDDIE
STOWERS STOOD POISED ON THE EDGE OF SUCH A CHALLENGE
-- AND SUMMONED HIS METTLE AND COURAGE. //
CORPORAL STOWERS AND THE MEN OF COMPANY C, 371st
INFANTRY REGIMENT, BEGAN THEIR ATTACK ON HILL 188 IN
THE CHAMPAGNE-MEUSE SECTOR OF FRANCE.
- 6 -
ONLY A FEW MINUTES AFTER THE FIGHTING BEGAN, THE ENEMY
STOPPED FIRING. / ENEMY TROOPS CLIMBED ONTO THE
PARAPETS OF THE TRENCHES, HELD UP THEIR ARMS, AND
SEEMED TO SURRENDER. THE RELIEVED AMERICAN FORCES HELD
THEIR FIRE AND STEPPED INTO THE OPEN. //
As OUR TROOPS MOVED FORWARD, THE ENEMY JUMPED BACK
INTO THEIR TRENCHES AND SPRAYED OUR MEN WITH A VICIOUS
STREAM OF MACHINE GUN AND MORTAR FIRE. THE ASSAULT
ANNIHILATED WELL OVER 50 PER CENT OF COMPANY C. //
- 7 -
IN THE MIDST OF THIS BLOODY CHAOS, CORPORAL STOWERS
TOOK CHARGE AND BRAVELY LED HIS MEN FORWARD, DESTROYING
THEIR FOES. ALTHOUGH HE WAS MORTALLY WOUNDED DURING
THE ATTACK, FREDDIE STOWERS CONTINUED TO PRESS FORWARD,
URGING HIS MEN ON UNTIL HE DIED. //
ON THAT SEPTEMBER DAY, CORPORAL STOWERS WAS ALONE,
FAR FROM FAMILY AND HOME. HE HAD TO BE SCARED AS
FRIENDS DIED AT HIS SIDE.
- 8 -
BUT HE VANQUISHED HIS FEAR AND FOUGHT -- NOT FOR GLORY,
BUT FOR A CAUSE LARGER THAN HIMSELF -- THE CAUSE OF
LIBERTY.
TODAY, AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THIS GREAT SOLDIER, OUR
THOUGHTS CONTINUE TO BE WITH THE MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL
OUR WARS, WHO VALIANTLY CARRIED THE BANNER OF FREEDOM
INTO BATTLE. // THEY, Too, KNOW AMERICA WOULD NOT BE
THE LAND OF THE FREE IF IT WERE NOT ALSO THE HOME OF
THE BRAVE. //
- 9 -
THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN, MARINES, AND COAST
GUARDSMEN OF DESERT STORM -- A GROUP THAT INCLUDES
FREDDIE STOWERS' GREAT GRAND-NEPHEW STAFF SGT. DOUGLAS
WARREN OF THE 101st AIRBORNE, WHO STILL IS IN SAUDI
ARABIA -- ALL THESE VALLIANT AMERICANS ARE HEIRS TO THE
LEGACY OF CORPORAL STOWERS AND THE MEN OF COMPANY C.
No NATION COULD BE MORE PROUD OF ITS SONS AND DAUGHTERS
THAN WE ARE OF THEM. //
- 10 -
TODAY, WE CELEBRATE THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS. BUT WE
ALSO HEED THESE WORDS, ECHOING OVER THE CENTURIES:
"ONLY THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR. " /
WE OWE IT TO FREDDIE STOWERS AND THOSE WHO REVERE
HIS LEGACY TO DEFEND THE PRINCIPLES FOR WHICH HE DIED
-- AND FOR WHICH AMERICA STANDS. //
IN THAT SPIRIT, I AM HONORED TO WELCOME TWO OF HIS
SISTERS -- GEORGINA PALMER OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA, AND
MARY BOWENS OF GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. /
- 11 -
THEY WILL ACCEPT THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THEIR LATE
BROTHER -- THE TEXT OF WHICH WE NOW WILL READ:
# #
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 19, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
TONY SNOW TS
FROM:
CURT SMITH
CS
SUBJECT:
MEDAL OF HONOR
On Wednesday, April 24th at 3 p.m. in the East Room, you
will deliver brief remarks (approximately six minutes, on cards)
upon which you will posthumously award the Medal of Honor to the
family members of Corporal Freddie Stowers. The award recognizes
his act of exceptional heroism on September 28, 1918. Your
remarks describe the action seen that day in World War One, and
touch on the legacy those acts provide.
Acknowledged are Corporal Stowers sisters Georgina Palmer
and Mary Bowens, as well as Secretary Cheney, General Powell, and
General Vuono.
(Smith/Grossman)
April 19, 1991
Draft Five
4:30 p.m.
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
EAST ROOM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 1991
Georgina Palmer and Mary Bowens -- sisters of today's
honoree. Secretary Cheney, General Powell, General Vuono, ladies
and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -- and to ceremonies
honoring a true hero. / A man who makes us proud of our heritage
as Americans. A man who -- in life, and death -- helped keep
America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, to whom, posthumously,
we present our highest military award for valor, the Medal of
Honor. It is an award for bravery and conscience -- that
compendium we call character. It reminds us that America is
great because America is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
soldier honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He
sought, and helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He
showed -- as this year has proved again -- that an inspired human
heart can surmount bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers first was
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. In 1987, then-Congressman Joe Dioguardi and my friend --
the late Mickey Leland -- discovered the Stowers case while
conducting other research. The Army took up the case -- and last
2
November the Secretaries of the Army and Defense recommended that
Corporal Stowers receive the Medal of Honor. I heard his story,
and agreed enthusiastically. //
It has been said that "the ultimate measure of a man is not
where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where
he stands at times of challenge." On September 28, 1918,
Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of such a
challenge -- and summoned his mettle and courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment, began their attack on Hill 188 in the Champagne-Meuse
sector of France. Only a few minutes after the fighting began,
the enemy stopped firing. / Enemy troops climbed onto the
parapets of the trenches, held up their arms, and seemed to
surrender. The relieved American forces held their fire and
stepped into the open. //
As our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into
their trenches and sprayed our men with a vicious stream of
machine gun and mortar fire. The assault annihilated well over
50 per cent of Company C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying their foes.
Although he was mortally wounded during the attack, Freddie
Stowers continued to press forward, urging his men on until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, far from
family and home. He had to be scared as friends died at his
3
side. But he vanquished his fear and fought -- not for glory,
but for a cause larger than himself -- the cause of liberty.
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of all our wars, who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
The soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
of Desert Storm -- a group that includes Freddie Stowers' great
grand-nephew, Staff Sgt. Douglas Warren of the 101st Airborne,
who still is in Saudi Arabia -- all these valliant Americans are
heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C.
No nation could be more proud of its sons and daughters than we
are of them. //
Today, we celebrate their achievements. But we also heed
these words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have
seen the end of war. " /
We owe it to Freddie Stowers and those who revere his legacy
to defend the principles for which he died -- and for which
America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which we now will
read:
#
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 19, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Medal of Honor
A moving and fitting set of remarks. We have reviewed the
attached draft and have no suggested changes from a policy
standpoint. We approve of the draft remarks in their current
form.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM 12: 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
April 19, 1991
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
JENNIFER GROSSMAN
SUBJECT:
MEDAL OF HONOR FACT-CHECK
1)
page one, graph one, acknowledgments: it's "Georgina" rather
than "Georgiana." It's "Staff Sergeant Douglas Warren"
rather than "Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren" (?) ; he, however,
is in Saudi and might not make it back for the ceremony.
Major Byrne should not be acknowledged here. Secretary
Cheney might come, waiting for confirmation. Colin Powell
and Army Chief of Staff Carl Vuono, however, will attend and
should be acknowledged.
2)
page one, graph two, first sentence: as I have said before,
this is the highest "military" not "civilian" honor.
3)
page one, graph four -- oh boy: first, it's "Congressman
Dioguardi" not "Disguarde." Secondly, the description of
how the recommendation for the medal came to be is
incorrect. I would cut "moved to redress. " to "Army and
Defense" and replace it with something that reflects that
Dioguardi and Leland " discovered the Stowers case while
conducting other research. The Army then took on the case
and in November of last year the Secretaries of Army and
Defense recommended to me that the Medal of Honor be awarded
posthumously to Corporal Stowers. I could not but agree."
2)
page two, graph two, first sentence: it's my personal
feeling that quoting Martin Luther King is a bit patronizing
in this context.
2)
page two, graph three, second sentence (description of
action) : "holding up their arms" rather than "holding up
their weapons."
3)
page two, graph five, first sentence: do we really want to
say that the Corporal was "afraid." Not only do we lack
documentation for such a statement, what's so "Honor-able"
about fear?
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
97 APR 19 P5: 05
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM 12: 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
SENT BY: MGMT & ADMIN
; 4-19-91 ; 15:57 ;
2024561655-
2024566218:# 2
91 APR is p4: 10
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:MGMT & ADMIN
; 4-19-91 ; 15:58 ;
2024561655->
2024566218;# 3
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 Pill2:52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
q
Major
ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death - helped keep America free. 11
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. 11
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. 11
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. so in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense.
When,
SENT BY:MGMT & ADMIN
; 4-19-91 ; 15:58
2024561655-
2024566218;# 4
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family,
we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. 11
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." on September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. 11
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. 11 As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. 11
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
SENT BY:MGMT & ADMIN
; 4-19-91 : 15:58 ;
2024561655-
2024566218:# 5
1
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. 11
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. 11 They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. 11
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. 11
Today, we calebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. 11
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
APR 19 '91 13:23 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 001
6610 - NANCY
u
CLASSIFICATION
IMMEDIATE
PAGES
8
PRIORITY
RELEASER BYRNE
ROUTINE
DTG
FROM:
THE WHITE HOUSE MILITARY OFFICE
TO:
1.
NANCY - SPEECHWRITER'S OFFICE
2.
3.
4.
5.
INFO: 1.
2.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
Per am conversation The top cut is fort
for the army
General Trelay The seconding a revised cat
THE WHITE HOUSE
MILITARY OFFICE
и
CLASSIFICATION
APR 18 "91 13:23 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 002
6218
NANCY
Document No. 23077555
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
GR, FIT. Sean
HOI
This is the original-
REMARKS:
which has not been sent
Please
no lat
:
to 10mg
122, x2930,
2 this office.
Thank
(si
. .
RESPONSE:
LTG ass-Der
MAI
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
APR 19 '91 13:24 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 003
4
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PN 12: 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
See Cheney
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Gen Powell
Gen wond
Dauglas
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens,
Staffer Sergeant
Warren,
)
[Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero. and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. 11
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest military civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. 11
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
democracy
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. 11
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. so in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay, 1 They
introduced a reselution to honor the Corporal's heroism and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
APR 19 '91 13:24 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 004
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. 11
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. 11
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
the Champagne-Mem Sects of
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, fter only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
ed
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. 11 As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. 11
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, mortally destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
during the attach
fire,, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. 11
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and AND far from his home. But he overcame his fear
APR 19 '91 13:25 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 005
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. and humble 11
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
ail over
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. 11 They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. 11
The
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
of Desert store
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
should
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. 11
the words of Plato
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
Craprial
end of war." / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died ---
and for which America stands. 11
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
be
will now read:
#
#
#
#
APR 19 '91 13:25 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE 006
MEDAL OF HONOR PRESENTATION
(POSTHUMOUSLY) TO CPL FREDDIE
STOWERS, 24 APRIL 1991
GEORGIANA PALMER, MARY BOWENS, STAFF SERGEANT BUSH
WARREN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. WELCOME TO THE WHITE
HOUSE--AND TO CEREMONIES HONORING A TRUE AMERICAN
HERO - A MAN WHO GAVE THE LAST FULL MEASURE OF HIS
BEING FOR AMERICA.
THIS VALIANT AMERICAN WAS CORPORAL FREDDIE
STOWERS, AND IT IS MY DEEP HONOR TO PRESENT TO HIS
FAMILY OUR NATION'S HIGHEST MILITARY AWARD, THE
MEDAL OF HONOR. THIS MEDAL IS AWARDED FOR VALOR
ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AND IT SYMBOLIZES
THOSE QUALITIES THAT ARE UNIQUE TO THE AMERICAN
SOLDIER: COURAGEOUS IN WAR, COMPASSIONATE IN PEACE,
AND COMMITTED TO THE DEFENSE OF THE NATION.
TODAY, WE PAY TRIBUTE TO ONE SUCH SOLDIER - CORPORAL
FREDDIE STOWERS - FOR HIS HEROISM IN A MIGHTY CONFLICT
MORE THAN SEVEN DECADES AGO. HE SHOWED- AS THIS
YEAR HAS PROVED AGAIN - HOW THE HUMAN HEART CAN
SURMOUNT BAYONETS AND BARBED WIRE.
SEVENTY-THREE YEARS AGO, CORPORAL STOWERS WAS
FIRST RECOMMENDED FOR A MEDAL OF HONOR - BUT IN THE
CONFUSION OF WAR, HIS AWARD WAS NOT ACTED UPON.
APR 19 '91 10:38
2026978555 PAGE 002
APR 19 '91 13:26 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 007
SO.IN 1987, CONGRESSMEN DISGUARDE.AND MY FRIEND - THE
AnD
LATE MICKEY LELAND-MOVED TO REDRESS THE DELAY.
EVEY
INTRODI
RESOLUTION
TO HONOR
CORPORAL'S
HEBOISM AND WERE SUPPORTED BY THE SECRETARIES OF
ARMY AND DEFENSE. WHEN, FINALLY, WELOCATED
CORPORAL STOWERS' FAMILY, WE MOVED TO HONOR THIS
AMERICAN HERO.
MARTIN LUTHER KING ONCE:SAID THAT "THE ULTIMATE
MEASURE OF A MAN IS NOT WHERE HESTANDS IN MOMENTS
OF COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE, BUT WHEREHESTANDS AT
TIMES OF'CHALLENGE." ON SEPTEMBER 28, 1918, CORPORAL
FREDDIE STOWERS STOOD POISED ON THE EDGE OF ONE SUCH
CHALLENGE- AND DISPLAYED TO ALL HIS METTLE AND HIS
COURAGE.
CORPORAL STOWERS AND THE MEN OF COMPANY C, 371ST
INFANTRY REGIMENT BEGAN THEIR ATTACK ON HILL 188 IN
THE.CHAMPAGNE-MEUSE SECTOR OF FRANCE.: AFTER ONLY A-
FEW MINUTES OF FIGHTING THE ENEMY CEASED FIRING.
ENEMY TROOPS CLIMBED ONTO THE PARAPETS OF THE
TRENCHES, HOLDING UP THEIR WEAPONS, SEEMINGLY
SURRENDERING. THIS CAUSED THE AMERICAN FORCES TO
CEASE FIRE AND COME OUT INTO THE OPEN. AS OUR TROOPS
MOVED FORWARD, THE ENEMY JUMPED BACK INTO THEIR
TRENCHES AND BEGAN A VICIOUS ROUND OF MACHINE GUN
AND MORTAR FIRE. THE ASSAULT ANNIHILATED WELL OVER
50 PERCENT OF COMPANY C.
2
PR 19 '91 10:39
2026978555 PAGE 003
APR 19 "91 13:26
FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 008
IN THE MIDST OF A BLOODY CHAOS, CORPORAL STOWERS
TOOK COMMAND AND BRAVELY LEAD HIS MEN FORWARD,
OVERRUNNING THE ENEMY POINTS AND DESTROYING THE FOE.
ALTHOUGH HE WAS MORTALLY WOUNDED BY MACHINE GUN
FIRE DURING THE ATTACK, HE CONTINUED TO PRESS
FORWARD, URGING ON HIS MEN UNTIL HE DIED.
ON THAT SEPTEMBER DAY, CORPORAL STOWERS WAS FAR
FROM HOME. BUT, ALTHOUGH HE WAS AFRAID-ASALL
SOLDIERS ARE- HE OVERCAME HIS FEAR-AND PRESSED
FORWARD BEYOND THE LIMITS OF HUMAN ENDEAVOR- - NOT
FOR GLORY BUT A CAUSE LARGER THAN HIMSELF.
TODAY, AS WE PAY TRIBUTE TO THIS GREAT AND HUMBLE
SOLDIER, OUR THOUGHTS CONTINUE TO BE WITH THE MEN AND
WOMEN WHO VALIANTLY CARRIED THE BANNER OF FREEDOM
INTO BATTLE IN DESERT STORM AND WHO MAN THE
RAMPARTS OF FREEDOM THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. THEY,
TOO, KNOW AMERICA WOULD NOT BE THE LAND OF THE FREE
IF IT WERE NOT ALSO THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.
THE SOLDIERS, SAILORS, AIRMEN, MARINES, COAST
GUARDSMEN OF TODAY ARE HEIRS TO THE LEGACY OF
CORPORAL STOWERS AND THE MEN OF COMPANY C. NO
NATION SHOULD BE MORE PROUD OF ITS SONS AND
DAUGHTERS.
3
19 '91 10:40
APR 19 '91 13:27 FROM WHMO 395-4076
PAGE. 009
TODAY WE CELEBRATE THEIR GLORY. BUT WE ALSO HEED THE
WORDS OF PLATO- - ECHOING OVER THE CENTURIES: "ONLY
THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR." WE OWE IT TO
CORPORAL FREDDIE STOWERS AND TO THOSE WHO REVERE
HIS COURAGE AND SACRIFICE TO SUSTAIN AND BUILD THE
ARMED FORCES OF THIS NATION TO:DEFEND THE PRINCIPLES
FOR WHICH OUR NATION STANDS.
IN THAT SPIRIT, I AM HONORED TO WELCOME.TWO. OF HIS
SISTERS - GEORGINA PALMER OF-RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA,
AND MARY BOWENS OF GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. THEY
WILL ACCEPT THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THEIR LATE
BROTHER. READ THE CITATION.
4
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. List
Personal information of banquet attendees. (1 pp.)
04/19/91
P-6, (b)(6)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Drafts
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Medal of Honor
Date Closed:
9/20/2004
OA/ID Number:
06032
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2249-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
Document No. 230775SS
2892
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 APR 19 P2: 58
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
SNOW
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
April 19, 1991
The National Security Council staff has reviewed and recommends the
changes in the attached remarks.
Brent Registro Scowcroft
CC: PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
RECEIVED
91 APR 18 P3.13 P
1318 65:28
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM12: 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
can make
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian military award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
their adversaries
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
S.R. Supert Duant upgmer
Assistant PHILLIP to & D. the BRADY President are
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will- accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
NO COMMENTS. THANKS.
HOLLY WILLIAMSON HW
4-]9-9]
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
is
P2:
April 19, 1991
05
MEMORANDUM FOR TONY SNOW
FROM:
STEPHEN G. RADEMAKER
SR
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Medal of Honor
Pursuant to Phillip Brady's request, Counsel's Office has
reviewed the above-referenced matter and has no legal objection.
We note, however, that the "Major Byrne" mentioned in the first
paragraph and the "Mayor Byrne" mentioned in the last appear to
be the same person, and therefore one of the references is
probably incorrect. Also, in the first paragraph, the text
should refer to "Staff", not "Staffer" Sergeant Bush Warren.
CC: Phillip D. Brady
Document No. 230775SS
91 APR WHITE 26 HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
GRAY
TREFRY
HOLIDAY
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
ok DS
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. / /
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. 11
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
Batemanments
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
Draft Four
STOWERS
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ROSE GARDEN
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
who?
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. / /
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
Christina-
Justa few minor comments,
(Smith/Grossman)
Thanks
April 18, 1991
0
Draft Four
Jo.
STOWERS
4/18
AL OF HONOR
SE GARDEN
ESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
fer Sergeant Bush Warren,
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House -
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer. / A hero
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- -- in life, and
death -- helped keep America free. //
to
present with our highest civilian military award, the Medal of Honor. It
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, ^ whom, posthumously, we
G for vala
is an award for bravery and conscience that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right over wrong. He showed -- as
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Disguarde and my friend -- the
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. / They
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's heroism -- and
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense. When,
the
2
finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company c, 371st Infantry
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
Although during the attack he was gravely wounded by machine gun
fire, he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
died. //
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone, and
afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. //
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
daughters. //
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. " / We owe it to Freddie Stowers and to those who
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
will now read:
#
#
#
#
Document No. 230775SS
WHITE HOUSE P2: STAFFING MEMORANDUM
91 APR 18
DATE: 4/18/91
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: FRIDAY 4/19/91 2:00 pm
SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: MEDAL OF HONOR
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
PETERSMEYER
SCOWCROFT
PORTER N/C
DARMAN
N/C
ROGICH
BRADY
SMITH
NK
BROMLEY
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
DEMAREST
SNOW
7052
FITZWATER
BATEMAN
Vontenbee
GRAY
CA TREFRY
HOLIDAY
N/C
REMARKS:
Please forward your comments directly to Tony Snow, Rm. 122, x2930,
no later than 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, with a copy to this office.
Thank you.
RESPONSE:
MASTER
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Aid
changes this Dask accepted. 44
on
(Smith/Grossman)
April 18, 1991
91 APR 18 PM 12: 52
Draft Four
STOWERS
Staff Srgt.
please. identify
Douglas warren
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
MEDAL OF HONOR
101st Airborne
ROSE GARDEN
sec. Cheney
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1991
Gen Powell
(stillin D.V. Sandi)
Gen Vuono
Great Grand Neph.
logich Trefery
Georgiana Palmer, Mary Bowens, Staffer Sergeant Bush Warren, of
Major Byrne, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the White House - Freddu stowers.
- and to ceremonies honoring a true hero and pioneer / A hero
can make
who made us proud to be Americans. A man who -- in life, and
NSC
death -- helped keep America free. //
to
I speak of Corporal Freddie Stowers, whom, posthumously, we
military for valor
present with our highest civilian award, the Medal of Honor. It
tardner NSC
is an award for bravery and conscience -- that compendium we call
character. It reminds us that America is great because America
is good. //
Today, Corporal Freddie Stowers becomes the first black
honored with a Medal of Honor from World War I. He sought, and
helped achieve, the triumph of right democracy over wrong He showed -- as
refered
this year has proved again -- how the human heart can surmount
bayonets and barbed wire. //
Seventy-three years ago, Corporal Stowers was first
recommended for a Medal of Honor -- but his award was not acted
upon. So in 1987, Congressmen Dioguardi Disguarde and my friend -- the
discovered the stowers case while
late Mickey Leland -- moved to redress the delay. + They
Grossman
conducting other. research. the Army then took heroism on -- the and case
introduced a resolution to honor the Corporal's
and in November of last year the
Trefery
were supported by the Secretaries of Army and Defense When, e
the
recommended to
me that the medal
of Honor be awarded
posthumously to Corporal stowers.
I could not but caree.
2
Batenas finally, we located Corporal Stowers' family, we moved to honor
this American trailblazer -- for what a story his is. //
Martin Luther King once said that "the ultimate measure of a
It was
to Grossman
man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience,
but where he stands at times of challenge." On September 28,
1918, Corporal Freddie Stowers stood poised on the edge of one
such challenge -- and displayed to all his mettle and his
courage. //
Corporal Stowers and the men of Company C, 371st Infantry
Trofery
Yes
Regiment began their attack on Hill 188 in France, and after only
the Champagne Meuse sector of
a few minutes of fighting the enemy ceased firing. / Enemy
ed
troops began climbing onto the parapets of the trenches, holding
arms
up their weapons, seemingly surrendering. This caused the
American forces to cease fire and come out into the open. // As
our troops moved forward, the enemy jumped back into their
trenches and began a vicious round of machine gun and mortar
fire. The assault annihilated well over 50 per cent of Company
C. //
In the midst of this bloody chaos, Corporal Stowers took
No
their adversances
charge and bravely led his men forward, destroying the foe.
NSC
Yes
Although during the attack he was mortally gravely wounded by machine gun
Prefery
fire he continued to press forward, urging on his men until he
during the attack
died. //
?
Hogenable NO
On that September day, Corporal Stowers was alone
and
Grossman afraid, and so far from his home. But he overcame his fear --
3
which, after all, is the very definition of courage. / He fought
not for glory but a cause larger than himself. and humble 11 NO
Today, as we pay tribute to this great soldier, our thoughts
all our wars 195
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continue to be with the men and women of Desert Storm who
valiantly carried the banner of freedom into battle. // They,
too, know America would not be the land of the free if it were
not also the home of the brave. //
Yes The These soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast
of Desert storm
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Guardsmen are heirs to the legacy of Corporal Stowers and the men
should
@
of Company C. No Nation could be more proud of its sons and
NO
No
daughters. //
the words of
Today, we celebrate their glory. But we also heed these Plato
words, echoing over the centuries: "Only the dead have seen the
end of war. / We owe it Corporal to Freddie Stowers and to those who
Trefery
to
revere his legacy to defend the principles for which he died --
and for which America stands. //
In that spirit, I am honored to welcome two of his sisters -
- Georgina Palmer of Richmond, California, and Mary Bowens of
Greenville, South Carolina. / They will accept the award on
behalf of their late brother -- the text of which Mayor Bryne
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be
will now read:
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