NOVELTY - A MEA stack (106) is disposed between the compression plates (104,108). MEA stack includes a fluid flow passage e.g. anode gas manifold (110) passage (148,149), cathode gas manifold (112) passage, and/or coolant manifold (102) passage that allows gases to flow between the first and second ends of a fuel cell assembly. A fastener, which includes a titanium member and connects the first and second compression plates, is disposed within the fluid flow passage of MEA stack.    USE - Fuel cell assembly e.g. PEM fuel cell system for applications requiring higher power densities and compact lightweight packaging. Uses include but are not limited to electric vehicle drive power, portable generators, vehicle power generators.    ADVANTAGE - Minimizes length and complexity of gas lines routed to the fuel cell system since gas ports are placed on one side of the fuel cell system. Coolant supply and return lines are connected on single side of fuel cell system since coolant is routed through the stack assembly, compression plate and coolant manifold. Minimizes shunting effects caused by liquid flowing between two closely proximate conductors having high difference of electrical potential since there is no fluid directly connecting between the adjacent edges of collector plates by having the coolant only flow through the coupling plate and not through the collectors. Ensures minimal risk in the fluid transfer passages having short fluid coupling path between the collectors since anode and cathode flows are both primarily gaseous. Prevents inadvertent gas leaks that are caused by somebody unknowingly loosening the compression hardware from the outside of fuel cell and thereby causing gas or fluid leak by preventing immediate access to the compression hardware by the cooling manifold and anode gas manifold since nuts and inserts that retain the compression hardware are not accessible from the exterior of fuel cell system. Reduces manufacturing costs of the plate since plate only needs flow field features formed on the side of plate that faces the MEA.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a method of making a fuel cell assembly.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a front, perspective, exploded, view of a fuel cell system.    Coolant manifold (102)    Compression plates (104,108)    MEA stack (106)    Anode gas manifold (110)    Cathode gas manifold (112)    Anode gas manifold passage (148,149)