Edward R . Schowalter , Jr . Edward Rightor Schowalter , Jr . ( December 24 , 1927 – November 21 , 2003 ) was a United States Army officer in the Korean War who received the U . S . military ' s highest decoration , the Medal of Honor . 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 . Biography . Schowalter was born on December 24 , 1927 , in New Orleans , Louisiana , to Edward R . Schowalter , Sr . , and Ruth Johnson . After graduating from Metairie High School in nearby Metairie , he attended the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington , Virginia , and upon his graduation in 1951 was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U . S . Army . He was later promoted to first lieutenant and served in Korea with Company A , 31st Infantry Regiment , 7th Infantry Division . 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 . As he led Company A toward the hill , they came under intense small - arms , grenade , and mortar fire . Schowalter 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 and knocked him unconscious . When he awoke , he refused medical attention and resumed leading his soldiers forward . 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 . For these actions , Schowalter was awarded the Medal of Honor . The medal was formally presented to him roughly four months later by President Dwight D . Eisenhower , during a ceremony at the White House . In his home of Jefferson Parish , Louisiana , a military parade was held in his honor and parish officials gifted him a new car , and the mayor of New Orleans , Chep Morrison , gave him the keys to the city . Schowalter reached the rank of colonel and served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War before retiring in 1977 . In addition to the Medal of Honor , he also received the Silver Star and two Purple Heart s . Schowalter married after the Korean War and he and his wife , Bonney , had five children . Two of his sons also served in the military . After his retirement , the family settled in Auburn , Alabama . He died at age 75 on November 21 , 2003 , and was buried at the Fort Benning Post Cemetery in Fort Benning , Georgia . Medal of Honor citation . Schowalter ' s official Medal of Honor citation reads : 1st Lt . Schowalter , commanding , 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 strongpoint , 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 .