Corporal Freddie Stowers is the only African American soldier to be awarded the U. S. Congressional Medal of Honor for his service and sacrifice in World War I. This lesson will allow students to identify key characteristics of the life and war experiences of Stowers.

Guiding Questions

• Why was Corporal Stowers worthy of the U. S. Congressional Medal of Honor?
• Why was Corporal Stowers awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor over 70 years after his heroic actions?

Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Identify the key characteristics of the life and experiences of Corporal Freddie Stowers.
• Write a persuasive essay about Corporal Stowers.

Pre-activities

• Assign the students to read Black History Month: Freddie Stowers.
• Assign the students to read the Citation for the Medal of Honor for Corporal Freddie Stowers.
• Ask the student to compare the first account to the citation for the Medal of Honor:
  • Are the accounts similar or different? What accounts for the similarities or differences?

Activities

• Assign the students to read the Interactive E-book about Corporal Stowers.
• As the students read, they should take notes on the actions that led to Corporal Stowers receiving the Medal of Honor.

Assessment

Assign the students to write a 1-2 page argumentative essay detailing the reasons why Corporal Stowers did not receive the Medal of Honor in 1918 and why he should have.
Rubric for Essay:

A – Student includes a thesis statement and at least three pieces of evidence to support claims about Corporal Stowers.
B – Student includes a thesis statement and less than three pieces of evidence to support claims about Corporal Stowers.
C – Student does not include a thesis statement or any evidence.

Materials Needed

Black History Month: Freddie Stowers
Primary Source Document:  Citation for the Medal of Honor for Corporal Freddie Stowers