He was awarded the medal for commanding his company in an assault against a fortified position, and for continuing to lead after being seriously wounded.

[4] On October 14, 1952, near Kumhwa and what is today the border between North and South Korea, Schowalter's company was selected to spearhead an attack on a fortified Chinese position known as Jane Russell Hill.

When he was wounded in the right side by a grenade, he again turned away medical aid and continued to command Company A until the hill was taken.

The medal was formally presented to him roughly four months later by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, during a ceremony at the White House.

[2] Schowalter reached the rank of colonel and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War before retiring in 1977.

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 strongpoint, halting the advance and inflicting several casualties.